title: [Current indications of azathioprine in nephrology].
abstract: Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive agent belonging to the antimetabolite family whose action blocks purine synthesis. It inhibits lymphocyte proliferation. In recent years, several trials have clarified the role of this compound used for three main indications: lupus glomerulonephritis, necrotizing vasculitis associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and renal involvement, and kidney transplantation. This review of the literature details practical conditions for the use of azathioprine in these three situations.
authors.affiliation: Service de néphrologie-hémodialyse-transplantation, CHU Brabois Adultes, rue du Morvan, 54511 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France. Electronic address: m.ladriere@chu-nancy.fr.
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ladrière
mesh_terms: D019268:Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008181:Lupus Nephritis / Q000188:drug therapy; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D019268:Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D001379:Azathioprine