Azathioprine with Allopurinol Is a Promising First-Line Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Beneficial response to first-line immunosuppressive azathioprine in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is low due to high rates of adverse events. Co-administrating allopurinol has been shown to improve tolerability. However, data on this co-therapy as first-line treatment are scarce.

Aim

Retrospective comparison of long-term effectiveness and safety of first-line low-dose azathioprine-allopurinol co-therapy (LDAA) with first-line azathioprine monotherapy (AZAm) in patients with IBD without metabolite monitoring.

Methods

Clinical benefit was defined as ongoing therapy without initiation of steroids, biologics or surgery. Secondary outcomes included CRP, HBI/SCCAI, steroid withdrawal and adverse events.

Results

In total, 166 LDAA and 118 A

SUBMITTER: van Liere ELSA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9287424 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature