Faculty Collaboration Database

Methotrexate for inflammatory skin disease in pediatric patients: Consensus treatment guidelines. Pediatr Dermatol 2023;40(5):789-808

Date

06/15/2023

Pubmed ID

37316462

DOI

10.1111/pde.15327

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85161815440 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   6 Citations

Abstract

Methotrexate (MTX) is a readily accessible drug, first used in 1948 and employed for a wide variety of indications since then. However, despite widespread off-label use, FDA labeling does not include approved indications for the use of MTX for many inflammatory skin diseases in pediatric patients, including morphea, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and alopecia areata, among others. Without published treatment guidelines, some clinicians may be hesitant to use MTX off-label, or uncomfortable prescribing MTX in this population. To address this unmet need, an expert consensus committee was convened to develop evidence- and consensus-based guidelines for use of MTX to treat pediatric inflammatory skin disease. Clinicians with experience and expertise in clinical research, drug development, and treating inflammatory skin disease in pediatric patients with MTX were recruited. Five committees were created based on major topic areas: (1) indications and contraindications, (2) dosing, (3) interactions with immunizations and medications, (4) adverse effects (potential for and management of), and (5) monitoring needs. Pertinent questions were generated and addressed by the relevant committee. The entire group participated in a modified Delphi process to establish agreement on recommendations for each question. The committee developed 46 evidence- and consensus-based recommendations, each with >70% agreement among members, across all five topics. These are presented in tables and text, along with a discussion of supporting literature, and level of evidence. These evidence- and consensus-based recommendations will support safe and effective use of MTX for the underserved population of pediatric patients who may benefit from this valuable, time-honored medication.

Author List

Siegfried EC, Arkin LM, Chiu YE, Hebert AA, Callen JP, Castelo-Soccio L, Co DO, Cordoro KM, Curran ML, Dalrymple AM, Flohr C, Gordon KB, Hanna D, Irvine AD, Kim S, Kirkorian AY, Lara-Corrales I, Lindstrom J, Paller AS, Reyes M, Begolka WS, Tom WL, Van Voorhees AS, Vleugels RA, Lee LW, Davies OMT, Brandling-Bennett HA

Authors

Yvonne E. Chiu MD Vice Chair, Professor in the Dermatology department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Kenneth Brian Gordon MD Chair, Professor in the Dermatology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Child
Consensus
Dermatitis, Atopic
Humans
Methotrexate
Psoriasis