Extremity Findings of Methotrexate Embryopathy

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-1-2020

Journal

Hand

Volume

15

Issue

1

DOI

10.1177/1558944719837657

Keywords

embryopathy; extremity; methotrexate; oligodactyly

Abstract

© The Author(s) 2019. Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is widely used as an immunosuppressant, chemotherapeutic, and abortifacient agent. It is also a potent teratogen, and intentional or unintentional exposure during pregnancy is associated with heterogeneous birth anomalies. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of patients who presented to our clinic with limb anomalies in the setting of MTX embryopathy. Results: In our case series, we describe 7 cases of patients who had limb anomalies with heterogeneous functionality, from severely debilitating to completely asymptomatic. Most of the upper extremity anomalies in our group were managed conservatively. Conclusions: Methotrexate embryopathy is a rare but clinically important entity with phenotypic and functional variability. This series underscores the need for proper counseling of patients and raises concern regarding using this medication for the purpose of abortion.

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