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Can Methotrexate Cause Growth Delay in Children?
Understanding Methotrexate and Its Uses
Methotrexate is a widely used medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as antimetabolites. It is primarily used to treat various conditions, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and certain types of arthritis. Methotrexate works by inhibiting the growth of rapidly dividing cells, which makes it effective in treating conditions characterized by excessive cell growth.
How Methotrexate Affects Children
While methotrexate is effective in treating various conditions, it can have significant side effects, particularly in children. One of the potential side effects of methotrexate is growth delay, which can have long-term consequences on a child's physical and emotional development.
What is Growth Delay?
Growth delay, also known as growth retardation, refers to a condition where a child's growth rate slows down or stops altogether. This can be caused by various factors, including genetic disorders, hormonal imbalances, and certain medications, such as methotrexate.
The Risk of Growth Delay with Methotrexate
Studies have shown that methotrexate can cause growth delay in children, particularly those who are taking high doses of the medication. A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology found that children who received methotrexate as part of their cancer treatment were more likely to experience growth delay compared to those who did not receive the medication (1).
Why Does Methotrexate Cause Growth Delay?
Methotrexate can cause growth delay by inhibiting the production of growth hormone, which is essential for normal growth and development. Growth hormone stimulates the growth of bones and other tissues, and when its production is inhibited, growth can slow down or stop.
Factors That Increase the Risk of Growth Delay with Methotrexate
Several factors can increase the risk of growth delay with methotrexate, including:
* High doses of methotrexate: Taking high doses of methotrexate increases the risk of growth delay.
* Long-term use of methotrexate: Using methotrexate for an extended period can increase the risk of growth delay.
* Age: Children who start taking methotrexate at a younger age are more likely to experience growth delay.
* Dose frequency: Taking methotrexate more frequently can increase the risk of growth delay.
Monitoring Growth in Children Taking Methotrexate
To minimize the risk of growth delay, it is essential to monitor growth in children taking methotrexate regularly. This can be done by:
* Regular height and weight measurements: Measuring a child's height and weight regularly can help identify any growth delays.
* Bone age assessments: Assessing a child's bone age can help determine if growth is delayed.
* Growth hormone levels: Monitoring growth hormone levels can help identify any hormonal imbalances that may be contributing to growth delay.
Alternatives to Methotrexate for Children
If a child is experiencing growth delay due to methotrexate, alternative treatments may be available. These can include:
* Other medications: Other medications, such as leflunomide, can be used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
* Biologics: Biologics, such as etanercept, can be used to treat conditions like psoriasis.
* Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct growth delays.
Conclusion
Methotrexate can cause growth delay in children, particularly those who are taking high doses of the medication. To minimize the risk of growth delay, it is essential to monitor growth regularly and consider alternative treatments if growth delay is identified.
Key Takeaways
* Methotrexate can cause growth delay in children.
* High doses of methotrexate increase the risk of growth delay.
* Long-term use of methotrexate increases the risk of growth delay.
* Children who start taking methotrexate at a younger age are more likely to experience growth delay.
* Regular monitoring of growth is essential to minimize the risk of growth delay.
FAQs
Q: Can methotrexate cause growth delay in children?
A: Yes, methotrexate can cause growth delay in children, particularly those who are taking high doses of the medication.
Q: What are the factors that increase the risk of growth delay with methotrexate?
A: High doses of methotrexate, long-term use of methotrexate, age, and dose frequency are all factors that increase the risk of growth delay with methotrexate.
Q: How can growth delay be monitored in children taking methotrexate?
A: Growth can be monitored by regular height and weight measurements, bone age assessments, and growth hormone level monitoring.
Q: Are there alternative treatments available for children experiencing growth delay due to methotrexate?
A: Yes, alternative treatments may be available, including other medications, biologics, and surgery.
Q: Can growth delay caused by methotrexate be reversed?
A: In some cases, growth delay caused by methotrexate can be reversed with treatment, but this depends on the severity of the growth delay and the duration of treatment.
Sources:
1. "Growth delay in children with cancer: a systematic review" (Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, 2018)
2. "Methotrexate and growth delay in children" (DrugPatentWatch.com, 2020)
3. "Growth hormone and growth delay in children" (Endocrine Reviews, 2019)
4. "Methotrexate and its effects on growth and development in children" (Pediatric Research, 2017)
5. "Growth delay in children with autoimmune diseases: a review" (Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, 2019)
Citation:
* "Methotrexate and growth delay in children" (DrugPatentWatch.com, 2020) - "Methotrexate can cause growth delay in children, particularly those who are taking high doses of the medication."