METHOFRACT, a methotrexate osteopathy multicentre cohort study
Authors' conclusion
MTX-IO is a rare but significant condition, especially among postmenopausal women with RA or PsA.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with methotrexate-induced osteopathy (MTX-IO) diagnosed by bone specialists or identified through French pharmacovigilance, 2012–2024; predominantly postmenopausal women with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Participants
- 92 patients
- Exposure
- MTX discontinuation vs continuation
- Outcome
- Fracture characteristics
Methodological detailsmulticentre
- Multicentre
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Tibial metaphysis (distal and proximal) fractures
- 88%
- Foot bone fractures
- 49%
- Multiple fractures at diagnosis
- 76%
- Repeated fractures in recent history
- 63%
- History of major fractures
- 22%
- Osteoporosis at diagnosis
- 56%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Fracture healing and pain relief
P < 0.001
- Fracture healing and pain relief — Overall fracture healing and pain relief
- 77%
Diagnostic imaging
- MRI of painful sites
- 84%
- Bone scintigraphy (41 patients)
- 45%
Management: MTX discontinuation
- MTX discontinued
- 79%
Original publication
METHOFRACT, a methotrexate osteopathy multicentre cohort study. RMD Open. Published 25 September 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →