The role of oral methotrexate as a steroid sparing agent in refractory eosinophilic asthma.

ABSTRACT: The use of oral methotrexate for refractory eosinophilic asthma in a tertiary asthma referral centre, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, was evaluated between January 2006 and December 2014. The patients ( n = 61) were carefully phenotyped at baseline with markers of airway inflammation. In addition, a structured oral methotrexate proforma was utilized to evaluate response to therapy and adverse events. Oral steroid withdrawal was attempted 3 months after commencing treatment. Several outcomes were evaluated at 12 months, including both efficacy and adverse effects; 15% ( n = 9/61) responded by achieving a decrease in daily oral corticosteroid dose (mean 8.43 (±8.76) mg), although we were unable to identify factors that predicted a treatment response. There were no other significant changes in

SUBMITTER: Bilocca D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5802657 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature