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Efficacy and safety of azathioprine maintenance therapy in a group of Crohn's disease patients in China
Author(s) -
ZHENG Jia Ju,
CHU Xing Qi,
SHI Xiao Hua,
ZHOU Chun Li,
SENG Bi Wu
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of digestive diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.684
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1751-2980
pISSN - 1751-2972
DOI - 10.1111/j.1751-2980.2008.00327.x
Subject(s) - azathioprine , medicine , crohn's disease , prednisone , leukopenia , gastroenterology , disease , bone marrow suppression , maintenance therapy , surgery , chemotherapy
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and the safety of long‐term azathioprine maintenance therapy in a group of Chinese patients with Crohn's disease. METHODS: The efficacy of azathioprine (2.0 mg/kg/day) in controlling the disease relapse in 13 patients with Crohn's disease following clinical remission by prednisone or surgery were investigated. The Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) and the Harvey–Bradshaw index, the reduction of steroid dosage and side‐effects for an average of 18 months follow up were analyzed. RESULTS: Azathioprine was effective in controlling the disease relapse in 10 (by CDAI scores) or 11 (by Harvey –Bradshaw index) of 13 patients (76.9% and 84.6%, respectively) for at least 6 months. Azathioprine was not discontinued in a patient who experienced a temporary and mild elevation of aminotransferases 14 months after the initiation of therapy. However one patient who was co‐administered with azathioprine and mesalamine (Pentasa) developed an episode of bone marrow suppression that ultimately required the withdrawal of both medications. CONCLUSION: Azathioprine is an effective agent which controls the relapse of Crohn's disease in most patients. Long‐term remission can be achieved. Side‐effects, including severe leukopenia, myelo‐suppression and the mild elevation of hepatic enzymes, may occur in a small number of patients.