Baseline Factors Associated with the Development of Nausea and Alopecia over One Year in Patients Starting Methotrexate for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Abstract: 1444
Authors: Ahmad Sherbini et al.
Key content:
This abstract analyzed what factors were associated with two of the most common side effects of methotrexate initiators. In this observational study of more than 1000 RA patients, 31% of patients experienced nausea and 8% alopecia. Nausea was associated with younger age, female sex, active alcohol consumption, higher disease activity and heightened apprehension about drug safety. For alopecia, only female sex, higher disability and alcohol consumption were associated with this adverse event.
Relevance:
While several of these associations are not unexpected, it may be useful to know that the patients more commonly affected by these two common adverse events are younger women, in particular if there are already concerns about drug safety. Interestingly, alcohol consumption seems to heighten the likelihood of these adverse events to occur, but the study did not show if reducing alcohol intake may allow a reduction of these complications.
