Methotrexate in the treatment of psoriasis at the National Skin Centre, Singapore.

In the last 30 years, methotrexate has been used for treating psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. Much has been learned about its beneficial and adverse effects. Long-term use produces different effects from short-term use. This study was undertaken to study the long-term use of methotrexate in our local population. It is a retrospective study where the case reports of 72 psoriatic patients on methotrexate were analysed for its use, side effects, the monitoring of side effects and its efficacy. Our study showed that methotrexate was effective in 61 (86.0%) patients, had some side effects in 10 (14.2%) patients and was relatively safe. It also helped psoriatic arthropathy. However, adequate and close monitoring is required to prevent liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.