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The Subcommittee on Methotrexate of the Psoriasis Task Force of the National Program for Dermatology prepared and published guidelines concerning methotrexate therapy for psoriasis in 1971 (Arch Dermatol 105: 363, 1972. These original guidelines were used in part by the Federal Drug Administration when they approved the use of methotrexate for treatment of severe psoriasis.
The Subcommittee on Methotrexate has remained very active and conducted two meetings (Miami, 1971 and London, 1972) that have been concerned mainly with the interaction between psoriasis, the liver, and methotrexate. This international group has now reviewed almost 1,000
I. Indications
The indications for starting methotrexate therapy remain the same. We have deleted the portion that states that the diagnosis of psoriasis must be established by biopsy or after dermatologic consultation. Instead, we have emphasized that the diagnosis and need for methotrexate therapy should be established by dermatologie consultation.
II. Relative Contraindications
The contraindications