Recommended laboratory controls at treatment initiation and follow-up

Laboratory parametersMTXAcitretin CyclosporinFumarates
Blood count*X, W1, W2, W4, then every 2–3 monthsX, W8, W16X, W2, W4, then every 4 weeks until month 4X, every 4 weeks until month 4, therafter every 8 weeks
Liver enzymes**X, W2, W4, then every 2–3 monthsX, W4, W8, then every 3 monthsX, W2, W4, then every 4 weeks until month 4X, every 4 weeks until month 4, therafter every 8 weeks
CreatinineX, W4, then every 2–3 monthsXX, W2, W4, then every 4 weeks until month 4X, every 4 weeks until month 4, therafter every 8 weeks
Electrolytes (sodium, potassium)--X, W2, W4, then every 4 weeks until month 4-
Magnesium--Only with indication (muscle cramps). X, W8, W16-
Fasting blood glucose (if elevated, up HbA1c dosage)-X, W8X, then every 3 months-
Cholesterol, triglycerides-X, W4, then every 3 monthsX (two weeks before and on the day of treatment initiation), W8, W16-
Urine statusX, every 2 weeks during first two months, thereafter every 2–3 months-X, W4, W16X, every 4 weeks until month 4, therafter every 8 weeks
Uric acid--X, then every 4 weeks until month 4-
AlbuminX---
Pregnancy testXX. Every month during treatment and 1 and 2 months following discontinuation. Avoid pregnancy for 3 yearsXX
HBV/HCVX-X-
HIVX-X-
Procollagen III peptide/FibroscanEvery 6–12 months for PIIIP/1–2 years for Fibroscan---
Chest X-rayX---
Liver ultrasoundX---

Not all tests are necessary for every patient. Patient history, exposure to risk, and patient characteristics should be considered. More specific testing may be required based on clinical signs, risk, and exposure. X: pretreatment recommended; PIIIP: procollagen type III N-terminal peptide; *: erythrocytes, leucocytes, platelets; **: alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), serum bilirubin; -: no available agent