A systematic review of oral methotrexate for multiple sclerosis.

Author(s): Gray OM, McDonnell GV, Forbes RB

Affiliation(s): Department of Neurology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6BA, Northern Ireland. orlagray@hotmail.com

Publication date & source: 2006-08, Mult Scler., 12(4):507-10.

Publication type: Review

Oral methotrexate is a potent immunosuppressant, which could have a beneficial effect on relapse rates and delay disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS). We performed a systematic review of all randomized controlled trials of oral methotrexate for MS. Of the two randomized controlled trials identified, one was excluded due to its allocation concealment and definition of a relapse and time to sustained disease progression. The other trial studied 60 participants with progressive MS only. This trial reported a non-significant reduction in sustained Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) progression and number of relapses in favour of methotrexate therapy. There were no data on relapse rate and no difference in time to first relapse. Minor side-effects were reported in both methotrexate (87.1%) and placebo groups (89.7%), but there were no major side-effects. Further trials are required in both relapsing-remitting and progressive groups to establish the role of oral methotrexate in MS.