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. 2010 Jan;1(1):7-16.
doi: 10.1177/2040622310368736.

The long-term risk of continuous immunosuppression using thioguanides in inflammatory bowel disease

Anthony O'Connor  1 , Asghar Qasim, Colm A O'Moráin
Affiliations

The long-term risk of continuous immunosuppression using thioguanides in inflammatory bowel disease

Anthony O'Connor et al. Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2010 Jan.

Abstract

The efficacy of thiopurine treatment in the induction, and especially maintenance, of remission in inflammatory bowel disease is well proven; however, it is associated with side effects in both medium and long-term use. The potential harmful effects may be anticipated and minimised by due diligence prior to commencing these drugs followed by close monitoring of haematological and biochemical parameters once started. Careful clinical examination and history taking are also essential. Affected patients are expected to lead lives that include travel, employment and pregnancy - the implications of continued thiopurine therapy in such patients are discussed.

Keywords: Crohn's disease; azathioprine; immunomodulator; immunosuppression; inflammatory bowel disease; lymphoma; mercaptopurine; ulcerative colitis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare they have no conflicts of interest.

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