Reducing the frequency of routine blood monitoring for methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with no adverse outcomes for patients, British researchers have found.
Similar laboratory results were recorded in patients who were switched from testing once per month to once every 3 or 5 months, Natasha Wood, a general practice trainee at North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple, England, reported at the annual meeting of the British Society for Rheumatology.
"Less frequent monitoring did not result in patient harm," she said.
"There's an increasing evidence base; we wonder whether now's the time to reconsider our DMARD-monitoring strategy," Ms. Wood said.
Changes in Monitoring Because of Pandemic
Methotrexate monitoring is important to minimize the risk of harm to patients, and it is recommended that standard laboratory tests, such as a complete blood count, creatinine, and liver enzymes are measured regularly. Indeed, both the BSR and the American College of Rheumatology have specific recommendations on the monitoring of methotrexate and other conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDS).
"The BSR used to advise for monthly blood tests in patients taking methotrexate," Ms. Wood said, but the BSR moved to recommend testing patients on a stable dose every 3 months in 2017.
"Things of course changed again rapidly with COVID, with the BSR quickly updating their guidelines advising for less frequent monitoring in this patient group," Ms.
