Randomized controlled azathioprine withdrawal after more than two years treatment in Crohn's disease: increased relapse rate the following year

Autor: M, Vilien, J F, Dahlerup, L K, Munck, P, Nørregaard, K, Grønbaek, J, Fallingborg
Rok vydání: 2004
Předmět:
Zdroj: Alimentary pharmacologytherapeutics. 19(11)
ISSN: 0269-2813
Popis: Azathioprine is effective for maintenance of remission in Crohn's disease, however, duration of efficacy and the dose response relationship has not been fully evaluated.To investigate whether patients kept in remission by azathioprine treatment for2 years benefit from further treatment, and to explore dose-response relationship.In an open 12-month trial, patients with inactive Crohn's disease after2 years (median 37 months) of azathioprine treatment were randomized to azathioprine withdrawal or continued treatment. Primary end point was relapse defined as: (i) Crohn's disease activity index rise/= 75, and Crohn's disease activity index150 or (ii) disease activity requiring intervention.Of 29 patients, 28 completed the observation period or relapsed. Eleven of 13 patients (85%) continuing azathioprine remained in remission compared with seven of 15 (47%) observed without azathioprine (P = 0.043). In patients who had been treated with azathioprine1.60 mg/kg/day the difference was even more pronounced, eight of nine (89%) vs. four of 12 (33%) respectively (P = 0.017).Patients with Crohn's disease in remission after2 years of continuous azathioprine treatment will benefit from further continued treatment. Further controlled studies with azathioprine doses2.0 mg/kg/day are needed.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
Externí odkaz:
Nepřihlášeným uživatelům se plný text nezobrazuje