laboratory event in methotrexate monitoring

Last reviewed 01/2018

Event Value Action
Leucopaenia <3.5*10^9/l Stop & seek advice
Neutropaenia<2.5*10^9/l Stop & seek advice
Thrombocytopaenia <150*10^9/l Stop & seek advice
Macrocytosis >100 Macrocytosis >100 Check B12 and folate
Sequential falls in WCC or PMNs >10% on occasions Stop & seek advice
Sequential falls in plateletsSequential falls >10% on 3 occasions Stop unless falls are from in platelets from a high level, which is a response to treatment
Elevation of LFTs (AST, ALT, not ALP) >3x normal Stop & repeat LFTs (AST, ALT, not ALP) Mild transaminitis is common
Falls in albumin >5g/l Stop. Repeat LFTs. (early sign of liver toxicity)