Related Experiment Videos
Re-introduction of azathioprine in previously intolerant patients
Caroline J Green1, Anthony S Mee
1Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, UK.
Background And Aims:
Azathioprine is an important steroid sparing agent in the management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. However, side effects are a problem in a significant minority of patients. We proposed that desensitization might increase the number of patients able to tolerate the drug.
Methods:
Successive inflammatory bowel disease patients who were intolerant to azathioprine in our hospital gastroenterology clinic were invited to recommence the drug at a low dose, gradually building up to a therapeutic dose. Patients were observed for the recurrence of side effects. Patients who did not wish to participate were offered alternative immunosuppressant therapy.
Results:
Fourteen patients elected to attempt desensitization. Nine of these (64%) were able to tolerate a full dose of azathioprine. The remainder suffered a return of their side effects and were offered alternative treatment.
Conclusions:
Azathioprine can be tolerated in some people who have been previously intolerant by the use of desensitization.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Pharmacologic...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
Tissue Transplantation
The Biology of Tissue Transplantation
The biology of tissue transplantation hinges on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. These molecules...