Aim: Performance of a meta-analysis with respect to the genetic predictors of methotrexate (MTX) treatment outcomes, efficacy and toxicity, in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
Methods: Databases of OVID MEDLINE and OVID EMBASE were searched to collect the studies addressing correlations between gene polymorphisms and efficacy and/or toxicity in MTX-treated JIA patients. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were estimated in allelic, recessive and/or dominant models.
Results: With regards to efficacy, the C677T (rs1801133) polymorphism in MTHFR was associated with nonresponse to MTX treatment in a recessive model (OR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.19-0.84). For associations with toxicity, the MTHFR C677T (rs1801133) polymorphism was associated with presenting overall adverse events in an allelic model (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.07-2.22) and a dominant model (OR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.08-2.68).
Conclusion: C677T (rs1801133) polymorphism in MTHFR predicts nonresponse and/or adverse effects of MTX treatment in JIA patients.
Keywords: adverse event; juvenile idiopathic arthritis; meta-analysis; methotrexate; polymorphism; responsiveness.