Does Short-Term Low-Dose Methotrexate Treatment Affect Homocysteine Blood Level in Patients with Psoriasis?

Background: an elevated homocysteine level is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disorders. psoriatic patients have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases; in addition, hyperhomocysteinemia is a complication of methotrexate treatment. we undertook a study to evaluate the plasma levels of homocysteine, vitamin b12 and folate in patients with psoriasis before and after short-term low-dose methotrexate treatment. methods: twenty six patients with psoriasis were recruited. the plasma levels of homocysteine, vitamin b12 and folate were evaluated before and 8 weeks after methotrexate therapy (in the peak of methotrexate effect). results: no significant difference was found between the plasma profile of homocysteine, vitamin b12 and folate before and after methotrexate treatment. conclusion: in the short-term treatment of psoriasis, methotrexate does not increase homocysteine level.