Treatment of refractory microscopic colitis with azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine

Gastroenterology. 2001 May;120(6):1483-4. doi: 10.1053/gast.2001.23976.

Abstract

Many patients with microscopic colitis will respond to antidiarrheal medications or to anti-inflammatory therapy with 5-aminosalicylates, although a few require corticosteroids. Some patients do not tolerate corticosteroid side effects, and a small subset are dependent on or refractory to corticosteroids. We report our experience with azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine in patients with microscopic colitis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Azathioprine / adverse effects
  • Azathioprine / therapeutic use*
  • Colitis / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Mercaptopurine / adverse effects
  • Mercaptopurine / therapeutic use*
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Mercaptopurine
  • Azathioprine