Low Dose Methotrexate Associated Pancytopenia in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the most widely used anti-rheumatoid drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Pancytopenia associated with low dose MTX therapy is a life threatening adverse effect often associated with known risk factors. In this articie a 33-year-old woman taking low dose MTX for 6 years for RA referred to our clinic with pancytopenia is presented. This case highlights that low dose MTX is safe but the patient should be evaluated for dehydration, medication interactions and renal function.