RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Canadian Recommendations for Use of Methotrexate in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
JF The Journal of Rheumatology
JO J Rheumatol
FD The Journal of Rheumatology
SP jrheum.090978
DO 10.3899/jrheum.090978
A1 Katchamart, Wanruchada
A1 Bourré-Tessier, Josiane
A1 Donka, Timea
A1 Drouin, Julie
A1 Rohekar, Gina
A1 Bykerk, Vivian P.
A1 Haraoui, Boulos
A1 Le Clerq, Sharon
A1 Mosher, Dianne P.
A1 Pope, Janet E.
A1 Shojania, Kam
A1 Thomson, John
A1 Thorne, J. Carter
A1 Bombardier, Claire
YR 2010
UL http://www.jrheum.org/content/early/2010/05/27/jrheum.090978.abstract
AB Objective To develop recommendations for the use of methotrexate (MTX) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods Canadian rheumatologists who participated in the international 3e Initiative in Rheumatology (evidence, expertise, exchange) in 2007–2008 formulated 5 unique Canadian questions. A bibliographic team systematically reviewed the relevant literature on these 5 topics. An expert committee consisting of 26 rheumatologists from across Canada was convened, and a set of recommendations was proposed based on the results of systematic reviews combined with expert opinions using a nominal group consensus process. Results The 5 questions addressed drug interactions, predictors of response, strategies to reduce non-serious side effects, variables to assess clinical response, and incorporating patient preference into decision-making. The systematic review retrieved 93 pertinent articles; this evidence was presented to the expert committee during the interactive workshop. After extensive discussion and voting, a total of 9 recommendations were formulated: 2 on drug interactions, 1 on predictors of response, 2 on strategies to reduce non-serious side effects, 3 on variables to assess clinical response, and 1 on incorporating patient preferences into decision-making. The level of evidence and the strength of recommendations are reported. Agreement among panelists ranged from 85% to 100%. Conclusion Nine recommendations pertaining to the use of MTX in daily practice were developed using an evidence-based approach followed by expert/physician consensus with high level of agreement.