Non-invasive markers of liver fibrosis for monitoring of long-term methotrexate therapy: A multi-centre longitudinal cohort study

Atallah, Edmond; Grove, Jane; Crooks, Colin; Burden-Teh, Esther; Abhishek, Abhishek; Moreea, Sulleman; Jordan, Kelsey; Ala, Aftab; Hutchinson, David; Aspinall, Richard J.; Murphy, Ruth; Aithal, Guruprasad

Abstract

Background: The risk of significant liver fibrosis from prolonged methotrexate (MTX) exposure has been estimated in around 5% of patients, which has led to intensive monitoring strategies. However, the evidence is derived from retrospective studies that underreported risk factors of liver disease. We evaluated the risk of long-term MTX therapy on liver fibrosis in a longitudinal cohort study using two non-invasive markers.

Method: Between 2014-2021, adult patients diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) or psoriasis for ≥2 years were recruited prospectively from six UK sites. MTX group included patients who received MTX for ≥6 months, whereas unexposed group included those who never received MTX. All patients underwent full liver profiling, enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) markers, and transient elastography (TE).

Results: 999 patients (mean age 60.8 ± 12 years, 62.3 % females) were included. Of 976 with valid TE values, 149 (15.3 %) had liver stiffness ≥7.9 kPa. Of 892 with valid ELF, 262 (29.4 %) had ELF ≥9.8. Age and BMI were independently associated with elevated liver stiffness and ELF. Neither MTX cumulative dose nor duration was associated with elevated liver stiffness. Diabetes was the most significant risk factor associated with liver stiffness ≥7.9 kPa (adjusted OR = 3.19, 95% CI 1.95 – 5.20, P <0.001). Regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs showed the strongest association with ELF ≥9.8 (OR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.20 – 2.56, P =0.003), suggesting the degree of joint inflammation in RA may confound ELF as a non-invasive marker of liver fibrosis

Conclusion: The risk of liver fibrosis attributed to MTX itself might have been previously overestimated; there is a need to consider modifying current MTX therapy monitoring guidelines.

Citation

Atallah, E., Grove, J., Crooks, C., Burden-Teh, E., Abhishek, A., Moreea, S., …Aithal, G. (in press). Non-invasive markers of liver fibrosis for monitoring of long-term methotrexate therapy: A multi-centre longitudinal cohort study. Journal of Hepatology,

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 19, 2022
• Deposit Date: Dec 19, 2022
• Journal: Journal of Hepatology
• Print ISSN: 0168-8278
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/15160261