Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Placebo-controlled, double-blind trials were included.
Specific interventions included in the review
Methotrexate (usually 3 to 4 months, 15 mg/week).
Participants included in the review
Adult asthmatics dependent on long-term oral steroids (prednisone or prednisolone) were included.
Outcomes assessed in the review
The outcomes assessed were steroid dosage, FEV1, serious side-effects and alteration in serum aspartate aminotransferase level.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
Titles and/or abstracts of identified studies, and full articles if necessary, were examined by the author.