Azathioprine teratogenicity: review of the literature and case report.
An infant born with preaxial polydactyly to a mother taking azathioprine throughout pregnancy is described. Experimental studies in animals reveal a teratogenic role for azathioprine and its main metabolite, 6-mercaptopurine. The skeletal system appears to be the primary tissue target for such action of these drugs. Although no direct cause-effect relationship can be established from the single case presented, the similarity of this anomaly to experimental azathioprine teratogenesis suggests the necessity for further surveillance.
D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000002:abnormalities*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D015122:Mercaptopurine / Q000633:toxicity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D051381:Rats
D015122:Mercaptopurine; D001379:Azathioprine