Impact of chronic low dose methotrexate treatment in rheumatoid arthritis on biochemical parameters in a population of eastern Algeria: A cross-sectional study

Background: Lack of data describing biochemical parameters’ status in Algerian population during rheumatoid arthritis with long-term low dose methotrexate treatment. Objectives: Evaluation of biochemical markers’ concentration and prevalence of values outside standards. Patients and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2014 to March 2016 at Batna University Hospital, Algeria. Biochemical parameters’ assays were performed on Dimension RxL/Immulite 2000XPi and methotrexatemia determination on Unicel DxC600. Statistical tests were run on SPSS Statistics with a p value 15 μmol/L) was found in 27.47% of study population with a higher prevalence of 47.82% during vitamin B12 deficiency. Conclusion: Despite a good overall tolerance, it is recommended to monitor creatinine clearance especially in female patients and from a methotrexate cumulative dose exceeding 1.5 g. To avoid any atherosclerosis risk, periodic cardiovascular function monitoring, a blood count formula and a lipid profile should also be realized, particularly during vitamin B12deficiency