METHOTREXATE OSTEOPATHY IN RHEUMATIC DISEASE

Objective-To determine whether two adults with stress fractures receiv ing low weekly doses of methotrexate had methotrexate osteopathy. Case reports-Two adult patients developed features consistent with methotr exate osteopathy while receiving low weekly doses of methotrexate. Met hods-Iliac crest biopsy samples were taken and bone histomorphometry c arried out. Results-Symptoms resolved when the methotrexate was discon tinued. Bone histology showed changes consistent with osteoblast inhib ition by methotrexate. Conclusions-When given in low doses for prolong ed periods, methotrexate may have adverse effects on bone, particularl y in post-menopausal women.