Incidence, predictive factors and severity of methotrexate-related liver injury in rheumatoid arthritis: a longitudinal cohort study

Discontinuation vs. continuation of concomitant methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis on certolizumab pegol: results from a randomised, controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

The present non-inferiority study was designed to compare the effect of discontinuing versus continuing methotrexate (MTX) alongside certolizumab pegol (CZP) on maintaining low disease activity (LDA) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients already stable on combination therapy.

METHODS

This multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled trial included RA patients with sustained LDA (Clinical Disease Activity Index [CDAI] ≤ 10) for ≥ 12 weeks with CZP + MTX. Patients were randomised 1:1 by computer to either continue MTX (CZP + MTX group) or discontinue MTX after a 12-week reduction period (CZP group) using a dynamic allocation strategy with the minimisation method. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients maintaining LDA without a flare (i.e., a CDAI score > 10 or intervention with rescue treatments for any reason) at week 36 (24 weeks after MTX discontinuation). Non-inferiority is verified if the lower limit of the 90% confidence interval (CI) using normal approximation for the difference in the proportion of cases that maintained LDA at week 36 between the intervention group and control group exceeds the non-inferiority margin.

RESULTS

All 84 screened patients were randomised to the CZP + MTX group (n = 41) and CZP group (n = 43), and were included in the efficacy analysis. Proportions (90% CI) of patients who maintained LDA at week 36 were 85.4% (76.3 to 94.4%) in the CZP + MTX group and 83.7% (74.5 to 93.0%) in the CZP group. The difference (90% CI) between the two groups was - 1.6% (-14.6 to 11.3%), with the lower limit of the 90% CI exceeding the non-inferiority margin of -18%. Reported adverse events were broadly similar between the two groups. The proportion of patients with gastrointestinal symptoms, as assessed by a self-administered questionnaire, was significantly lower in the CZP group than in the CZP + MTX group at week 36 (2.4% vs. 15.8%, P = 0.034).

CONCLUSION

Discontinuing concomitant MTX in RA patients on CZP is clinically feasible for maintaining LDA.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs041200048).

Methotrexate induced hepatotoxicity in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

Hepatotoxicity is an under-recognized and potentially fatal side effect of high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) chemotherapy, and this risk is compounded in children with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and/or metabolic-associated steatohepatitis. We present the case of a 12-year-old obese, Hispanic male with elevated hepatic transaminases of unknown etiology at initiation of high-risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia chemotherapy. He developed acute kidney injury within 24 hours of receiving intravenous HDMTX which progressed to acute hepatic failure. Liver biopsy confirmed methotrexate toxicity aggravated by undiagnosed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Rapid deterioration precluded liver transplantation, and he died 21 days after HDMTX treatment. This case highlights the need for comprehensive hepatic evaluation in patients with known or suspected liver disease when administering HDMTX. Dialysis should be considered if delayed methotrexate clearance occurs due to potential for rapid, irreversible hepatotoxicity.

Prognostic factors for liver, blood and kidney adverse events from glucocorticoid sparing immune-suppressing drugs in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: a prognostic systematic review

BACKGROUND

Immune-suppressing drugs can cause liver, kidney or blood toxicity. Prognostic factors for these adverse-events are poorly understood.

PURPOSE

To ascertain prognostic factors associated with liver, blood or kidney adverse-events in people receiving immune-suppressing drugs.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE and the Cochrane library (01 January 1995 to 05 January 2023), and supplementary sources.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Data were extracted by one reviewer using a modified CHARMS-PF checklist and validated by another. Two independent reviewers assessed risk of bias using Quality in Prognostic factor Studies tool and assessed the quality of evidence using a Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation-informed framework.

RESULTS

Fifty-six studies from 58 papers were included. High-quality evidence of the following associations was identified: elevated liver enzymes (6 studies) and folate non-supplementation (3 studies) are prognostic factors for hepatotoxicity in those treated with methotrexate; that mercaptopurine (vs azathioprine) (3 studies) was a prognostic factor for hepatotoxicity in those treated with thiopurines; that mercaptopurine (vs azathioprine) (3 studies) and poor-metaboliser status (4 studies) were prognostic factors for cytopenia in those treated with thiopurines; and that baseline elevated liver enzymes (3 studies) are a prognostic factor for hepatotoxicity in those treated with anti-tumour necrosis factors. Moderate and low quality evidence for several other demographic, lifestyle, comorbidities, baseline bloods/serologic or treatment-related prognostic factors were also identified.

LIMITATIONS

Studies published before 1995, those with less than 200 participants and not published in English were excluded. Heterogeneity between studies included different cut-offs for prognostic factors, use of different outcome definitions and different adjustment factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Prognostic factors for target-organ damage were identified which may be further investigated for their potential role in targeted (risk-stratified) monitoring.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020208049.

Development of prediction model for alanine transaminase elevations during the first 6 months of conventional synthetic DMARD treatment

Frequent laboratory monitoring is recommended for early identification of toxicity when initiating conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs). We aimed at developing a risk prediction model to individualize laboratory testing at csDMARD initiation. We identified inflammatory joint disease patients (N = 1196) initiating a csDMARD in Turku University Hospital 2013-2019. Baseline and follow-up safety monitoring results were drawn from electronic health records. For rheumatoid arthritis patients, diagnoses and csDMARD initiation/cessation dates were manually confirmed. Primary endpoint was alanine transaminase (ALT) elevation of more than twice the upper limit of normal (ULN) within 6 months after treatment initiation. Computational models for predicting incident ALT elevations were developed using Lasso Cox proportional hazards regression with stable iterative variable selection (SIVS) and were internally validated against a randomly selected test cohort (1/3 of the data) that was not used for training the models. Primary endpoint was reached in 82 patients (6.9%). Among baseline variables, Lasso model with SIVS predicted subsequent ALT elevations of > 2 × ULN using higher ALT, csDMARD other than methotrexate or sulfasalazine and psoriatic arthritis diagnosis as important predictors, with a concordance index of 0.71 in the test cohort. Respectively, at first follow-up, in addition to baseline ALT and psoriatic arthritis diagnosis, also ALT change from baseline was identified as an important predictor resulting in a test concordance index of 0.72. Our computational model predicts ALT elevations after the first follow-up test with good accuracy and can help in optimizing individual testing frequency.

Mitochondrial alterations in fatty liver diseases

Fatty liver diseases can result from common metabolic diseases, as well as from xenobiotic exposure and excessive alcohol use, all of which have been shown to exert toxic effects on hepatic mitochondrial functionality and dynamics. Invasive or complex methodology limits large-scale investigations of mitochondria in human livers. Nevertheless, abnormal mitochondrial function, such as impaired fatty acid oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation, drives oxidative stress and has been identified as an important feature of human steatohepatitis. On the other hand, hepatic mitochondria can be flexible and adapt to the ambient metabolic condition to prevent triglyceride and lipotoxin accumulation in obesity. Experience from studies on xenobiotics has provided important insights into the regulation of hepatic mitochondria. Increasing awareness of the joint presence of metabolic disease-related (lipotoxic) and alcohol-related liver diseases further highlights the need to better understand their mutual interaction and potentiation in disease progression. Recent clinical studies have assessed the effects of diets or bariatric surgery on hepatic mitochondria, which are also evolving as an interesting therapeutic target in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This review summarises the current knowledge on hepatic mitochondria with a focus on fatty liver diseases linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes and xenobiotics.

Busting the myth of methotrexate chronic hepatotoxicity

Methotrexate is a key component of the treatment of inflammatory rheumatic diseases and the mainstay of therapy in rheumatoid arthritis. Hepatotoxicity has long been a concern for prescribers envisaging long-term treatment with methotrexate for their patients. However, the putative liver toxicity of methotrexate should be evaluated in the context of advances in our knowledge of the pathogenesis and natural history of liver disease, especially non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Notably, patients with NAFLD are at increased risk for methotrexate hepatotoxicity, and methotrexate can worsen the course of NAFLD. Understanding the mechanisms of acute hepatotoxicity can facilitate the interpretation of elevated concentrations of liver enzymes in this context. Liver fibrosis and the mechanisms of fibrogenesis also need to be considered in relation to chronic exposure to methotrexate. A number of non-invasive tests for liver fibrosis are available for use in patients with rheumatic disease, in addition to liver biopsy, which can be appropriate for particular individuals. On the basis of the available evidence, practical suggestions for pretreatment screening and long-term monitoring of methotrexate therapy can be made for patients who have (or are at risk for) chronic liver disease.

Risk of liver fibrosis associated with long-term methotrexate therapy may be overestimated

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The risk of significant liver fibrosis from prolonged methotrexate (MTX) exposure has been estimated at around 5%, prompting intensive monitoring strategies. However, the evidence is derived from retrospective studies that under-reported risk factors for 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. The MTX group included patients who received MTX for ≥6 months, whereas the unexposed group included those who never received MTX. All patients underwent full liver profiling, with transient elastography (TE) and enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) marker measurements.

RESULTS

A total of 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 a 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 odds ratio = 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 (odds ratio = 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 monitoring guidelines for MTX.

IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS

Current guidelines recommend intensive (2-3 monthly) monitoring strategies for patients on long-term methotrexate therapy due to the potential risk of liver fibrosis. Evaluation of the association using two validated non-invasive markers of liver fibrosis, liver stiffness and enhanced liver fibrosis score, in a large cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis shows that the reported risk has previously been overestimated. The clinical focus should be to improve patients' metabolic risk factors, diabetes and BMI, that are independently associated with liver stiffness. There is a need to consider modifying current treatment monitoring guidelines for methotrexate.

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with conventional, targeted and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in the setting of liver injury and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Increased incidence of liver diseases emphasizes greater caution in prescribing antirheumatic drugs due to their hepatotoxicity. A transient elevation of transaminases to autoimmune hepatitis and acute liver failure has been described. For every 10 cases of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation in a clinical trial, it is estimated that one case of more severe liver injury will develop once the investigated drug is widely available. Biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and targeted synthetic (tsDMARDs) are less likely to cause liver damage. However, various manifestations, from a transient elevation of transaminases to autoimmune hepatitis and acute liver failure, have been described. Research on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has provided insight into a pre-existing liver disease that may be worsen by medication. Diabetes and obesity could be an additional burden in drug-induced liver injury (DILI). In the intertwining of the inflammatory and metabolic pathways, the most important cytokines are IL-6 and TNF alpha, which are also the cornerstone of biological treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. This narrative review evaluates the complexity and prevention of DILI in RA and treatment options involving biological therapy and tsDMARDs.

Psoriatic Arthritis: The Influence of Co-morbidities on Drug Choice

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is associated with a higher burden of co-morbidities such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, inflammatory eye disease, inflammatory bowel disease, skin cancer and depression compared to the general population. In the last 20 years, the therapeutic options for PsA have increased exponentially with the availability of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) inhibitors, interleukin (IL)-17 inhibitors, IL-12/23 inhibitors and Janus kinases/signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins (JAK/STAT) inhibitors. The articular and extra-articular manifestations of PsA usually dictate the treatment choice but important consideration must be given to the corresponding co-morbidities while deciding the drug therapy due to associated safety profile, effect on disease activity, etc. This review provides a comprehensive review of common co-morbidities in PsA and how they can influence treatment choices.

Patients With IBD Receiving Methotrexate Are at Higher Risk of Liver Injury Compared With Patients With Non-IBD Diseases: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Background: Methotrexate is well-known in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis (Ps), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Several reports have indicated a higher incidence of methotrexate (MTX)-related liver adverse events in patients with IBD. We aim to investigate the risk of liver injury in patients with IBD and those with non-IBD diseases treated with MTX.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for articles that reported liver adverse events in patients with IBD, RA, and Ps/PsA, receiving MTX therapy. Additional articles were obtained by screening the references of recent meta-analysis and reviews. Raw data from included articles were pooled to calculate the cumulative incidence of total liver injury (TLI), MTX discontinuation (MTX-D), and liver fibrosis (LF). RR (relative risk) was calculated to compare the difference between patients with IBD and those with non-IBD diseases.

Results: A total of 326 articles with 128,876 patients were included. The patients with IBD had higher incidence of TLI [11.2 vs. 9.2%; relative risk (RR) = 1.22; P = 0.224] and MTX-D (2.6 vs. 1.8%; RR, 1.48; P = 0.089) than patients with non-IBD diseases. Due to the publication bias, trim-and-fill was performed. Afterwards, the patients with IBD showed significantly higher risk of TLI (11.2 vs. 3%; RR = 3.76; p < 0.001), MTX-D (3.3 vs. 0.7%; RR = 5; p < 0.001) and LF (3.1 vs. 0.1%; RR = 38.62; P = 0.001) compared with patients with non-IBD diseases.

Conclusion: IBD is associated with a higher risk of MTX-related liver injury. The mechanism of MTX-induced hepatotoxicity might be different in IBD and non-IBD diseases, and needs to be verified in future research.

Risk of venous thromboembolism associated with Janus kinase inhibitors for rheumatoid arthritis: case presentation and literature review

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have been developed as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Despite the positive therapeutic impacts of JAK inhibitors, concerns have been raised regarding the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). A recent post hoc safety analysis of placebo-controlled trials of JAK inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) reported an imbalance in the incidence of VTE for a 4-mg daily dose of baricitinib versus placebo. In a recent postmarketing surveillance trial for RA, a significantly higher incidence of PE was reported in treatment with tofacitinib (10 mg twice daily) compared with tofacitinib 5 mg or tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. We also experienced a case of massive PE occurring 3 months after starting baricitinib (4 mg once daily) for multiple biologic-resistant RA. Nevertheless, the evidence to support the role of JAK inhibitors in VTE risk remains insufficient. There are a number of predisposing conditions and risk factors for VTE. In addition to the known risk factors that can provoke VTE, advanced age, obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and smoking can also contribute to its development. Greater VTE risk is noted in patients with chronic inflammatory conditions, particularly RA patients with uncontrolled disease activity and any comorbidity. Prior to the initiation of JAK inhibitors, clinicians should consider both the number and strength of VTE risk factors for each patient. In addition, clinicians should advise patients to seek prompt medical help if they develop clinical signs and symptoms that suggest VTE/PE.

Key Points • Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), especially those with uncontrolled, high disease activity and those with comorbidities. • In addition to the well-known risk factors that provoke VTE events, advanced age and cardiovascular risk factors, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and smoking, should be considered risk factors for VTE. • Although a signal of VTE/pulmonary embolism (PE) risk with JAK inhibitors has been noted in RA patients who are already at high risk, the evidence is currently insufficient to support the increased risk of VTE during RA treatment with JAK inhibitors. • If there are no suitable alternatives, clinicians should prescribe JAK inhibitors with caution, considering both the strength of individual risk factors and the cumulative weight of all risk factors for each patient.

Initial methotrexate dosage is not associated with an increased risk of liver toxicity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to determine whether an initial methotrexate (MTX) dosage is associated with an increased risk of liver toxicity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

This retrospective study included 730 RA patients who started MTX treatment between 2004 and 2019 at the rheumatology clinic at Seoul National University Hospital. The patients were divided into three groups according to the initial dosage of MTX they received: low (MTX ≤ 7.5 mg/week), intermediate (MTX 10-12.5 mg/week), and high (MTX ≥ 15 mg/week) dosage groups. Hepatotoxicity, defined as elevations in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and/or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels more than twofold above the upper limit of normal (2 × ULN), was examined during 90 days of MTX treatment. Predictors of hepatotoxicity were identified using logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Of the 730 patients, 10 (1.4%) patients developed hepatotoxicity. The rate of hepatotoxicity was not different between the three MTX dosage groups. Univariate logistic regression analyses showed that the risk of hepatotoxicity was not higher in the intermediate MTX dosage group (odds ratio (OR): 0.89, 95% confidential interval (CI): 0.20-4.00, p = 0.877) or in the high MTX dosage group (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.24-6.14, p = 0.804) than in the low MTX dosage group. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that elevated baseline AST and/or ALT levels above ULN and concomitant leflunomide use were associated with MTX hepatotoxicity.

CONCLUSION

The initial MTX dosage is not associated with increased hepatotoxicity in RA patients.

KEY POINTS

• An initial methotrexate (MTX) dosage is not associated with liver toxicity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). • RA patients with a baseline liver function test (LFT) abnormality or receiving concomitant leflunomide treatment should be monitored closely for LFT abnormalities during the early phase of MTX treatment.

Treatments in Covid-19 patients with pre-existing metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: A potential threat for drug-induced liver injury?

Obese patients who often present metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) are at risk of severe presentation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). These patients are more likely to be hospitalized and receive antiviral agents and other drugs required to treat acute respiratory distress syndrome and systemic inflammation, combat bacterial and fungal superinfections and reverse multi-organ failure. Among these pharmaceuticals, antiretrovirals such as lopinavir/ritonavir and remdesivir, antibiotics and antifungal agents can induce drug-induced liver injury (DILI), whose mechanisms are not always understood. In the present article, we hypothesize that obese COVID-19 patients with MAFLD might be at higher risk for DILI than non-infected healthy individuals or MAFLD patients. These patients present several concomitant factors, which individually can favour DILI: polypharmacy, systemic inflammation at risk of cytokine storm, fatty liver and sometimes nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) as well as insulin resistance and other diseases linked to obesity. Hence, in obese COVID-19 patients, some drugs might cause more severe (and/or more frequent) DILI, while others might trigger the transition of fatty liver to NASH, or worsen pre-existing steatosis, necroinflammation and fibrosis. We also present the main mechanisms whereby drugs can be more hepatotoxic in MAFLD including impaired activity of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, mitochondrial dysfunction, altered lipid homeostasis and oxidative stress. Although comprehensive investigations are needed to confirm our hypothesis, we believe that the current epidemic of obesity and related metabolic diseases has extensively contributed to increase the number of cases of DILI in COVID-19 patients, which may have participated in presentation severity and death.