Methotrexate for treatment of atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents. (6th March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Deo, Maneka; Yung, Anthony; Hill, Sarah; Rademaker, Marius
• Is Part Of: International journal of dermatology. Volume 53:Number 8(2014:Aug.)
• Page Start: 1037
• Page End: 1041
• Publication Date: 2014-03-06
• Subjects: Dermatology -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1111/ijd.12314
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0011-9059

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="ijd12314-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="ijd12314-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Low‐dose methotrexate is becoming established as a second‐line treatment for atopic eczema in the adult population, but there has been a paucity of data to support its use for this indication in the pediatric population.</p> </sec> <sec id="ijd12314-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>A retrospective review was undertaken of patients aged 18 years and under started on methotrexate between January 2005 and April 2010, at a hospital‐based dermatology department in New Zealand.</p> </sec> <sec id="ijd12314-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Thirty‐one patients (17 females, mean age 10 years, range 3–18 years) were reviewed. Methotrexate was found to be effective or very effective in 75% and ineffective in 25%. The mean duration of treatment for those who responded to methotrexate was 14 months (range 2–38 months), 74% of patients were still on treatment at the time of last review. The most common adverse effect was minor nausea in four patients (14%) and non‐significant elevation of liver enzymes (four patients). No serious adverse effects were noted.</p> </sec> <sec id="ijd12314-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>In our experience, methotrexate has a good safety/tolerability profile when used in low dose for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents and appears to be effective. Formal comparative studies are needed.</p> </sec> </abstract>