Cytopenias among patients with rheumatic diseases using methotrexate: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To conduct a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to estimate the incidence of anaemia, leucopoenia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia associated with MTX plus folic acid among patients with rheumatic diseases.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE through August 2016 for all randomized controlled clinical trials with a MTX monotherapy arm. We excluded randomized controlled clinical trials for cancer and included only double-blind studies that reported on haematologic adverse events. Studies were excluded if patients did not receive folic acid or leucovorin supplementation. Full text articles were assessed by two independent reviewers. Incidence estimates were calculated using random-effects models.

Results

Of 1601 studies identified, 30 (1

SUBMITTER: Vanni KMM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7188347 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature