Methotrexate for sarcoidosis.

Abstract

Treatment options for sarcoidosis include corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory agents and cytotoxic drugs. Methotrexate is a cytotoxic agent which has been used with increasing frequency in the patient with chronic disease. The drug has been useful for various manifestations of the disease, including chronic lung and skin disease. The toxicity of the methotrexate is usually limited to hematologic and hepatic toxicity. Long term use of the drug is associated with some toxicity. Liver biopsies have proved a useful way of identifying which patients may remain on therapy.