Effetti a lungo termine dell’azatioprina nei pazienti con IBD: aspetti “moderni” di un farmaco “antico”

News in Pediatric Gastroenterology Pharmacology

Long-term effects of azathioprine in IBD: “modern” aspects of an “old” drug

Francesco Quagliarella 1, Salvatore Grosso 1, Fortunata Civitelli 1,2

¹Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Scuola di Specializzazione in Pediatria^{2supUOC Gastroenterologia ed Epatologia Pediatrica; Sapienza Università di Roma}

Azathioprine and mercaptopurine remain first line immunomodulatory treatments for inflammatory bowel disease. The wide spectrum of thiopurine short and long-term side effects (toxicity, infections, malignancy) is a significant issues. Data from literature show that the absolute incidence of serious toxicity is low, and an improved understanding of how best to minimize risk through accurate patients selection and education regarding the optimal monitoring during therapy may help with optimizing safety and efficacy of these important medications.