Pulmonary toxicity in a patient with psoriasis receiving methotrexate therapy

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2000 Jan;25(1):24-7. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2230.2000.00564.x.

Abstract

We report a 34-year-old woman with psoriasis who developed shortness of breath during methotrexate therapy. Methotrexate had been started 4 months earlier and the patient had ingested a cumulative dose of 232 mg. Pulmonary function tests showed a reduction in transfer factor to 76% of predicted. Methotrexate was stopped and her symptoms rapidly resolved. Pulmonary function tests deteriorated further despite stopping methotrexate but with no recurrence of symptoms with a transfer factor of 66% of predicted 2 months later. At 5 months after stopping methotrexate the patient remained well and pulmonary function had improved with a transfer factor of 79% of predicted. Pulmonary toxicity is a rare but important adverse effect of methotrexate therapy in patients with psoriasis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dermatologic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Folic Acid Antagonists / adverse effects*
  • Forced Expiratory Volume / physiology
  • Humans
  • Methotrexate / adverse effects*
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Respiration Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Respiration Disorders / physiopathology
  • Vital Capacity / physiology

Substances

  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Folic Acid Antagonists
  • Methotrexate