Methotrexate in the treatment of systemic glucocorticoid dependent severe persistent astma: a word of caution

Methotrexate should not be prescribed to every systemic glucocorticoid-dependent asthmatic. In fact, while methotrexate may be advantageous in selected patients, every attempt to control asthma with regular anti-asthma agents should be made. Most studies on the effects of methotrexate in the treatment of systemic glucocorticoid-dependent asthmatics include small numbers of patients and are all of relatively short duration. Thus, large long-term multicentre trials are urgently needed. In these studies, a uniform accepted definition of systemic glucocorticoid-dependent asthmatics should be used. For the time being, we reinforce the recommendation of the NHLBI/ WHO panel that methotrexate and other systemic glucocorticoid sparing drugs should be considered experimental medications, and used only in selected patients under the supervision of an asthma specialist with previous experimental experience.