Efficacy and safety of azathioprine maintenance therapy in a group of Crohn's disease patients in China.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and the safety of long-term azathioprine maintenance therapy in a group of Chinese patients with Crohn's disease.


METHODS
The efficacy of azathioprine (2.0 mg/kg/day) in controlling the disease relapse in 13 patients with Crohn's disease following clinical remission by prednisone or surgery were investigated. The Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) and the Harvey-Bradshaw index, the reduction of steroid dosage and side-effects for an average of 18 months follow up were analyzed.


RESULTS
Azathioprine was effective in controlling the disease relapse in 10 (by CDAI scores) or 11 (by Harvey -Bradshaw index) of 13 patients (76.9% and 84.6%, respectively) for at least 6 months. Azathioprine was not discontinued in a patient who experienced a temporary and mild elevation of aminotransferases 14 months after the initiation of therapy. However one patient who was co-administered with azathioprine and mesalamine (Pentasa) developed an episode of bone marrow suppression that ultimately required the withdrawal of both medications.


CONCLUSIONS
Azathioprine is an effective agent which controls the relapse of Crohn's disease in most patients. Long-term remission can be achieved. Side-effects, including severe leukopenia, myelo-suppression and the mild elevation of hepatic enzymes, may occur in a small number of patients.
Zheng
Jia Ju
JJ
Department of Internal Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China. zhengji2218@163.com
Chu
Xing Qi
XQ
Shi
Xiao Hua
XH
Zhou
Chun Li
CL
Seng
Bi Wu
BW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002681:China; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000208:ethnology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012074:Remission Induction; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D001379:Azathioprine