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1: Gastroenterol Clin Biol. 2005 May;29(5):600-3.Click here to read Links

Azathioprine induced nodular regenerative hyperplasia in IBD patients.

Daniel F, Cadranel JF, Seksik P, Cazier A, Duong Van Huyen JP, Ziol M, Coutarel P, Loison P, Jian R, Marteau P.

Département d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris.

Purine analogues are major drugs in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We present four cases of nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver (NRH) developed in patients with IBD treated with azathioprine. All patients had either abnormal liver tests and/or low platelet count. Although biochemical and hematological abnormalities regressed after azathioprine withdrawal, the long term evolution of the hepatic lesions (and the risk to develop further complications including portal hypertension) remains to be determined. Male gender seems to be a major risk factor by providing a predisposing pharmacogenetic profile of purine analogue metabolism. Clinicians should be aware of this serious complication which may occur with any of the purine analogues (azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, and 6-thioguanine).

PMID: 15980758 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Patient Drug Information

  • Mercaptopurine (Purinethol® )

    Your doctor has ordered the drug mercaptopurine to help treat your illness. The drug is taken by mouth in tablet form.

  • Azathioprine (Azasan® , Imuran® )

    Azathioprine is used with other medications to prevent rejection of kidney transplants. It is also used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis (a condition in which the body attacks its own joints, causing pain and swellin...

  • Thioguanine (Thioguanine Tabloid® )

    Your doctor has ordered the drug thioguanine to help treat your illness. The drug can be taken by mouth in tablet form.

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