Low-dose methotrexate, a commonly used treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, has come under scrutiny for its safety in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A recent retrospective study conducted in Ontario, Canada, sought to compare the 90-day risk of serious adverse events in CKD patients initiating low-dose methotrexate against those starting hydroxychloroquine. The trial found that serious adverse events were higher among those who started low-dose methotrexate than those who started hydroxychloroquine.

The trial results were published in the journal JAMA Network Open.
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Low-dose methotrexate, a common treatment for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, was studied for safety in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Results from previous studies indicated a higher risk of adverse events compared to hydroxychloroquine, emphasizing potential safety concerns. Hence, researchers from Canada conducted a retrospective, population-based, new-user cohort study to compare the 90-day risk of serious adverse events among adults with CKD who started low-dose methotrexate vs those who started hydroxychloroquine and to compare the risk of serious adverse events among adults with CKD starting 2 distinct doses of methotrexate vs those starting hydroxychloroquine.
The study, spanning from 2008 to 2021, utilized linked administrative health care data, focusing on adults aged 66 years or older with CKD, defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, excluding those receiving dialysis. Patients initiating low-dose methotrexate (ranging from 5 to 35 mg per week) were matched in a 1:1 ratio with those commencing hydroxychloroquine (at doses of 200-400 mg per day).
The primary outcome measured was a composite of serious adverse events, encompassing hospital visits related to myelosuppression, sepsis, pneumotoxic effects, or hepatotoxic effects occurring within 90 days of initiating the respective drugs.
Findings:
In a propensity score–matched cohort of 4,618 adults with CKD, results indicated a higher occurrence of the primary outcome in patients who started low-dose methotrexate compared to those who began hydroxychloroquine.
Specifically, 82 out of 2,309 individuals (3.55%) in the methotrexate group experienced serious adverse events, in contrast to 40 out of 2,309 individuals (1.73%) in the hydroxychloroquine group.
This translated to a risk ratio of 2.05 (95% CI, 1.42-2.96) and a risk difference of 1.82% (95% CI, 0.91%-2.73%).
Subgroup analysis further revealed a progressive increase in risks at lower eGFR, emphasizing the association between reduced kidney function and elevated risks with methotrexate use.
For instance, in patients with an eGFR below 45 mL/min/1.73 m2, the risk ratio rose to 2.79 (95% CI, 1.51-5.13).
Additionally, in a secondary comparison with hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate users at doses ranging from 15 to 35 mg per week exhibited a higher risk of the primary outcome.
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The findings from this study underscore the importance of carefully weighing the risks and benefits when considering low-dose methotrexate for CKD patients, especially in light of the heightened risk of serious adverse events. Clinicians should exercise caution and individualize treatment decisions, taking into account the patient's renal function and potential safety concerns associated with methotrexate use in this population.
Further reading: Muanda FT, Blake PG, Weir MA, et al. Low-Dose Methotrexate and Serious Adverse Events Among Older Adults With Chronic Kidney Disease. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(11):e2345132. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.45132