title: Azathioprine-associated pure red cell aplasia.
abstract: Azathioprine-associated pure red cell aplasia in patients with a renal allograft is a rare complication. Although immunological inhibition of erythroid progenitor cell has been suggested, the cause of this phenomenon remains unclear. The patient we describe showed a decrease in the number of erythroid progenitor cells and no evidence for the presence of a serum inhibitor of these precursor cells. Discontinuation of azathioprine was associated with a complete recovery from anaemia as well, with an increase in the number of erythroid progenitor cells.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, St. Elisabeth Hospital Tilburg, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Creemers
authors.forename: W P
authors.initials: WP
authors.lastname: van Boven
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lowenberg
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: van der Heul
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D012010:Red-Cell Aplasia, Pure / Q000139:chemically induced*
chemical_list: D001379:Azathioprine