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The therapeutic efficacy of 6-mercaptopurine in refractory ulcerative colitis.

Abstract
We report our observations over 18 years (1970-1988) on 81 compliant patients with resistant ulcerative colitis who received 91 courses of treatment with 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) for at least 4 months. These represent 172 patient years of 6-MP therapy and 308 years of observation after initiating 6-MP. In all patients, treatment with sulfasalazine and steroids had failed; most (96%) were dependent on systemic steroids and still symptomatic. The mean treatment period with 6-MP was 1.8 yr. In 42 out of 87 courses (48%) of 6-MP steroids could be eliminated, and in another 11 (13%) could be significantly reduced, for a total response rate of 61%. When four patients not on steroids were included, the response rate was 63%. The steroids were discontinued after a mean treatment time of 10 wk, and the 42 patients remained steroid free for the remainder of 6-MP treatment. Follow-up data after discontinuing 6-MP in 29 patients from this group show the mean time to relapse was 21 months with a median time of 12.5 months. We conclude that 6-MP is effective in inducing remission, eliminating steroids, and maintaining remission in many patients with refractory ulcerative colitis. Patients should be made aware of this option before colectomy is recommended.
AuthorsD J Adler, B I Korelitz
JournalThe American journal of gastroenterology (Am J Gastroenterol) Vol. 85 Issue 6 Pg. 717-22 (Jun 1990) ISSN: 0002-9270 [Print] United States
PMID1972315 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
Chemical References
  • Sulfasalazine
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Mercaptopurine
  • Prednisone
Topics
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (therapeutic use)
  • Adult
  • Colitis, Ulcerative (drug therapy)
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mercaptopurine (therapeutic use)
  • Prednisone (therapeutic use)
  • Recurrence
  • Remission Induction
  • Sulfasalazine (therapeutic use)
  • Time Factors

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