Table 2 Elevation of liver enzymes during methotrexate (MTX) treatment: pooled results of 27 prospective studies4–24 35–40 (level 2b)
Number of patientsMean dose of MTX (mg/week)Mean duration (months)Abnormally high ALT or ASTALT or AST >2 ULNPermanent discontinuation
3808 (16–1155)10.5 (4.6–18)55.8 (27–180)769 (20.2%)114/883* (12.9%)66/1799* (3.7%)

  • Results are shown as number (%) or number (range).

  • *Total number of patients in studies with data available concerning permanent discontinuation of MTX.

  • ALT, alanine aminotransferase; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; ULN, upper limit of normal.