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Noninvasive test monitors fibrosis in methotrexate-treated psoriasis

The novel, noninvasive NASH FibroSure test may have utility in monitoring fibrosis risk in patients treated for psoriasis with methotrexate, according to recent findings.

In the current single-center, retrospective study, researchers evaluated 129 patients for hepatic fibrosis and hepatotoxic effects of methotrexate between Jan. 1, 2007, and Dec. 31, 2013.

Among the 129 patients, 57 women and 50 men underwent analysis using the noninvasive NASH FibroSure (Quest Diagnostics) test and met eligibility criteria. Testing was performed in 53.5% of the 129 patients before initiating methotrexate. Of that group, 27.5% had elevated fibrosis scores, while 78.3% demonstrated increased steatosis scores, according to the findings.

There were 107 patients assessed with the device while receiving treatment with methotrexate. In this group, a statistically significant association was observed between a higher dose of the drug and a higher fibrosis score among women (Spearman = 0.21; P = .02), but not among men. Only one patient in the cohort was managed with a liver biopsy.

“The patients with psoriasis in this study had a high prevalence of elevated hepatic steatosis scores,” the researchers concluded. “The NASH FibroSure test can be used to monitor changes in fibrosis score in patients with psoriasis receiving [methotrexate]. In a single-institution cohort, these results suggest that NASH FibroSure may be used, especially among female patients, to help monitor for risk of worsening fibrosis during [methotrexate] therapy.” – by Rob Volansky

Disclosure: One researcher reports receiving research funding from T2 Biosystems.