Abstract | BACKGROUND AND AIM OF WORK: METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on patients in the Respiratory Clinic of the university teaching hospital on all biopsy-proven sarcoid treated with azathioprine between 1969 and 1993 (n = 10). All had previously shown only partial (n = 6) or no (n = 4) response to high dose oral corticosteroids. Azathioprine in a dose of 100-150 mg was administered daily, while continuing a small dose of oral corticosteroid. Patients underwent regular clinical evaluation, pulmonary function testing and chest radiography. RESULTS: In one patient the course was too brief to evaluate (26 days). Two patients had significant and sustained improvement in lung function (vital capacity increasing from 72% to 89% and from 49% to 79% of predicted respectively, and transfer factor from 78% to 114% and from 27% to 49% of predicted respectively), and chest radiograph cleared. Two patients had short-lived improvement and steroid-sparing effect. In the remainder (n = 5), no benefit was observed. No patient responded to azathioprine who had failed to respond to high dose corticosteroids. There was no significant toxicity. CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | S J Lewis, G M Ainslie, E D Bateman |
Journal | Sarcoidosis, vasculitis, and diffuse lung diseases : official journal of WASOG
(Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis)
Vol. 16
Issue 1
Pg. 87-92
(Mar 1999)
ISSN: 1124-0490 [Print] Italy |
PMID | 10207946
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Adrenal Cortex Hormones
- Immunosuppressive Agents
- Azathioprine
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Topics |
- Adrenal Cortex Hormones
(therapeutic use)
- Adult
- Aged
- Azathioprine
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Female
- Humans
- Immunosuppressive Agents
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Retrospective Studies
- Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary
(drug therapy, pathology)
- Treatment Outcome
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