| Theme | Therapeutic strategy for ulcerative colitis ; from standard to up-to-date | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Appropriate usage of azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine for IBD patients | |
| Publish Date | 2011/05 | |
| Author | Makoto Naganuma | Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University |
| Author | Mamoru Watanabe | Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University |
| [ Summary ] | 6-Mercaptopurine/Azathioprine (6-MP/AZA) is effective for maintenance of remission in refractory ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. It is critical that we understand when and how to use 6-MP/AZA to obtain higher rates of response with these treatments. We describe the following (1) 6-MP/AZA should not be used to induce remission in severe UC patients, (2) steroid dependent patients, should be treated with 6-MP/AZA as soon as possible, while induction of remission may still be obtained, (3) 6-MP/AZA should be used when cyclosporine/tacrolimus is administered to maintain remission and to improve long-term prognoses for UC patients, (4) infliximab or surgical options should be considered for 6-MP/AZA refractory UC patients. | |