Normal thiopurine methyltransferase levels do not eliminate 6-mercaptopurine or azathioprine toxicity in children with inflammatory bowel disease. J Clin Gastroenterol 2000 Jun;30(4):409-13
Date
06/30/2000Pubmed ID
10875470DOI
10.1097/00004836-200006000-00011Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0034036355 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 61 CitationsAbstract
6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) and azathioprine (AZA) are used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Side effects include infection, leukopenia, hepatitis, and pancreatitis. The level of thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT), which metabolizes 6-MP to 6-methylmercaptopurine, may reflect the risk of side effects. We sought to evaluate the relationship between the side effects of these medications and the TPMT level of pediatric patients with IBD. The medical records of our patients who were diagnosed with IBD and who received 6-MP or AZA were reviewed for measured TPMT levels. All red blood cell (RBC) TPMT levels were determined at the Mayo Medical Laboratories, Rochester, MN. The occurrence of leukopenia, elevated aminotransferases, and pancreatitis was evaluated. Twenty-two patients, mean age 13.7 years, received 6-MP or AZA and had TPMT levels measured. The TPMT levels ranged 10.7-27.5 U/mL RBC with a mean of 17.2 +/- 3.2 U/mL RBC. Two children had levels below the accepted norm of 13.8 U/mL RBC. One of these patients (50%) developed both elevation of aminotransferases and leukopenia. Of all, 20 children had normal levels, 3 (15.0%) exhibited side effects: hepatitis (n = 2) and leukopenia (n = 1). We conclude that side effects of 6-MP or AZA occur despite normal TPMT levels.
Author List
Kader HA, Wenner WJ Jr, Telega GW, Maller ES, Baldassano RNAuthor
Grzegorz W. Telega MD Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdolescentAzathioprine
Colitis, Ulcerative
Crohn Disease
Female
Humans
Immunosuppressive Agents
Male
Mercaptopurine
Methyltransferases
