Azathioprine in refractory sprue.
We report a patient with life-threatening refractory sprue who was dependent on high doses of corticosteroids to prevent severe diarrhea, malabsorption, and villous atrophy. Azathioprine allowed tapering of corticosteroids to lower doses, while maintaining remission in histology and in objective measures of malabsorption. Immunosuppressive therapy, however, is not without risks, particularly in patients with associated hypoglobulinemia.
Department of Gastroenterology, Christ Hospital, University of Illinois, Oak Lawn, 60453, USA.
A
A
Vaidya
J
J
Bolanos
C
C
Berkelhammer
D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D001379:Azathioprine; D011241:Prednisone