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Methotrexate and Fertility Management: A Needs Assessment
2012 ASL Abstract
Objective: To describe the current practices of documentation of patient counseling in regards
to contraception during Methotrexate (MTX) treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA),
and to improve future documentation, if needed.
STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review and descriptive statistical analysis of
Reproductive age female patients treated with MTX for RA and followed in
Rheumatology and Gynecology clinics.
RESULTS: From 2006-2011, charts of 150 women with RA were identified. Thirty three of these women were between 21-51 years old and on MTX. Fifteen (45.5%) of 33 analyzed charts had documentation of current type of contraception. Thirteen (39.4%) of the 33 patients attended the Gynecology clinic after initiation of MTX. Counseling on the use of contraception while on MTX was documented at the Gynecology Clinic in five (15.2%) of 33 charts.
CONCLUSION: Documentation rates regarding contraceptive use and counseling on the need
for contraception during MTX treatment for RA were low in our study. This identifies an
opportunity to improve physician compliance with such counseling and documentation.
Keywords: methotrexate, rheumatoid arthritis, contraception, counseling
Topics:
2012, Clerkship Director, Residency Director, Patient Care, Assessment, General Ob-Gyn,
