In:
Digestion, S. Karger AG, Vol. 77, No. 3-4 ( 2008), p. 150-154
Abstract:
〈 i 〉 Background and Aims: 〈 /i 〉 Azathioprine (AZA) and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) have recently been used in Japanese pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis. The aims of this study were to evaluate both the therapeutic efficacy and safety of AZA/6-MP in this group of patients. 〈 i 〉 Methods: 〈 /i 〉 Fourteen members of the Japanese Society for Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease reported 35 retrospective cases that received AZA/6-MP and were evaluated for adverse drug effects. In those who tolerated AZA/6-MP, disease activity and corticosteroid doses before and during the first 6 months of therapy were assessed. 〈 i 〉 Results: 〈 /i 〉 AZA or 6-MP was safely used in 21 of 35 patients (60%) without adverse drug effects. The disease activity began to decrease from the first month of therapy and the maximum effect was achieved after 3 months. The mean daily prednisolone dose was decreased from 26.9 to 11.6 mg and dose reduction was achieved in 58% of patients after 6 months of therapy. Fourteen of the 35 patients (40%) experienced adverse drug effects, including leukopenia (n = 11), aplastic anemia (n = 1), pancreatitis (n = 1) and liver dysfunction (n = 1). 〈 i 〉 Conclusions: 〈 /i 〉 The majority of Japanese children with ulcerative colitis tolerated AZA/6-MP and experienced favorable effects. However, 40% experienced adverse drug effects, mainly myelosuppression.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0012-2823
,
1421-9867
Language:
English
Publisher:
S. Karger AG
Publication Date:
2008
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1482218-0
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