Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHODS: RESULTS: AZA and its metabolite 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) are effective in the treatment of active Crohn's disease. However, the onset of the clinical response is delayed, requiring combination with other active medication in the early phase of treatment. Maintenance therapy with AZA/6-MP is also effective in the prevention of relapses in patients with Crohn's disease in remission. Indications for AZA/6-MP therapy further include refractory, fistulizing and steroid-dependent Crohn's disease. It is not known whether or when AZA/6-MP can be withdrawn in patients in long-term remission, but most clinicians discontinue therapy after 3-5 years. Although fewer data are available, AZA/6-PM appears to be effective also in the therapy of patients with ulcerative colitis. Side effects of AZA/6-MP occur in about 15% of patients and include skin rash, pancreatitis and hepatitis, dose-related neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, and risk of increased occurrence and severity of infections. Recent data suggest that the risk of malignancy, other than colorectal cancer, is not increased. Safety in pregnancy has not been studied extensively, but no increased prevalence of birth defects has been reported. CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | C B Lamers, G Griffioen, R A van Hogezand, R A Veenendaal |
Journal | Scandinavian journal of gastroenterology. Supplement
(Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl)
Vol. 230
Pg. 111-5
( 1999)
ISSN: 0085-5928 [Print] England |
PMID | 10499471
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
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Chemical References |
- Immunosuppressive Agents
- Azathioprine
|
Topics |
- Azathioprine
(therapeutic use)
- Humans
- Immunosuppressive Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
(drug therapy)
- Remission Induction
(methods)
- Safety
- Secondary Prevention
- Treatment Outcome
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