[Compared azathioprine efficacy in ulcerative colitis and in Crohn's disease].
OBJECTIVE
To compare the 6-month efficacy and tolerance of azathioprine in 68 patients with steroid-resistant or steroid-dependent chronic ulcerative colitis (n=30) or Crohn's disease (n=38).


METHODS
Clinical remission was defined as a Crohn's Disease Activity Index<150 for Crohn's disease and number of non-bloody stools<=3/day for ulcerative colitis, associated with prednisone requirement<=10 mg/day.


RESULTS
Seventy-three per cent of patients with ulcerative colitis had distal or left-sided colitis and 84% of patients with Crohn's disease had pancolitis. Azathioprine was discontinued early for side-effect in 8 (26.7%) patients with ulcerative colitis and in 8 (21.1%) patients with Crohn's disease (NS). In patients treated at least 6 months by azathioprine, clinical remission rates were 77.3% and 70% for chronic ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease (NS). Complete corticosteroids weaning was obtained significantly more often in ulcerative colitis patients than in Crohn's disease patients (59.1% vs 30%; P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Azathioprine seems to be at least as effective and equally tolerated in steroid-resistant or steroid-dependent chronic ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease patients.
Kull
Eric
E
Unité de Gastroentérologie et Assistance Nutritive, Hôpital Jean Bernard, 86021 Poitiers, France.
Beau
Philippe
P
D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000963:Antimetabolites / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013256:Steroids
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000963:Antimetabolites; D013256:Steroids; D001379:Azathioprine
Efficacité comparée de l'azathioprine dans la rectocolite hémorragique et dans la maladie de Crohn.