The use of azathioprine in severe adult atopic eczema.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the use of azathioprine in the treatment of severe adult atopic eczema and review the relevant literature.


BACKGROUND
Effective treatment of severe adult atopic eczema may necessitate the use of agents such as systemic steroids, PUVA or cyclosporin, which are associated with significant morbidity. Azathioprine is an effective alternative which can induce disease remission and may be less toxic.


METHODS
Ten patients treated with azathioprine 0.7-2.5 mg/kg per day for a minimum period of 12 months were evaluated in a retrospective follow-up study.


RESULTS
Clearance or marked improvement was noted in eight patients; three of these later became refractory to the drug. Side-effects were few and were well-tolerated. One patient was found to have lymphoma 8 months after stopping treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Azathioprine is an effective and cheaper alternative to cyclosporin in the treatment of severe adult atopic eczema. Its long-term toxicity remains unclear.
City of Dublin Skin and Cancer Hospital, Ireland.
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DA
Buckley
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Baldwin
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Rogers
D000328:Adult; D000963:Antimetabolites / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006560:Herpes Labialis / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects; D008231:Lymphopenia / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012894:Sleep Stages / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects
D000963:Antimetabolites; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase; D001379:Azathioprine