Usefulness of mean corpuscular volume as a surrogate marker for monitoring thiopurine treatment in inflammatory bowel disease. Issue 9 (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dujardin, Romein W.G.; Meijer, Berrie; de Boer, Nanne K.H.; D'Haens, Geert R.; Löwenberg, Mark
• Is Part Of: European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology. Volume 28:Issue 9(2016:Sep.)
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: azathioprine -- inflammatory bowel disease -- mean corpuscular volume -- mercaptopurine -- therapeutic drug monitoring -- thiopurines; Digestive organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Liver -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Digestive organs -- Diseases; Liver -- Diseases; Periodicals; 616.33
• DOI: 10.1097/MEG.0000000000000675
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-691X

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Thiopurines are commonly used drugs in inflammatory bowel disease. Intracellular levels of thiopurine metabolites [i.e. 6-thioguaninenucleotides (6-TGN)] are associated with efficacy and toxicity. Because 6-TGN measurement is not globally available, the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) has been proposed as a surrogate marker for monitoring thiopurine therapy. Aims: To analyze the relationship between MCV and efficacy of thiopurines, defined as either response to therapy or 6-TGN levels. Methods: A systematic search on PubMed was performed. Results: Fifteen studies were included. In six studies, a positive association was found between ΔMCV and 6-TGN. In four studies, it was suggested that ΔMCV can be used to predict clinical remission. In five articles, no association was found. Conclusion: In the majority of articles, it was reported that ΔMCV is useful in guiding intracellular metabolite levels. However, there is insufficient evidence showing that ΔMCV can predict clinical remission.