Azathioprine-associated myelodysplastic syndrome in two patients with ulcerative colitis. Issue 3 (20th March 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ahmad, Omer F; Keane, Margaret G; McCartney, Sara; Khwaja, Asim; Bloom, Stuart L
• Is Part Of: Frontline gastroenterology. Volume 4:Issue 3(2013)
• Page Start: 205
• Page End: 209
• Publication Date: 2013-03-20
• Subjects: Azathioprine -- Ulcerative Colitis -- IBD -- Inflammatory Bowel Disease; Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; 616.33005
• DOI: 10.1136/flgastro-2012-100276
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2041-4137

Abstract

Abstract : Azathioprine is a commonly used immunosuppressive agent in post-transplantation regimens and autoimmune diseases. An increased risk of lymphoma with thiopurine therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease has been described previously; however, there are few reported cases of azathioprine therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukaemia. We report two patients with ulcerative colitis who subsequently developed azathioprine-related myelodysplastic syndrome. It is imperative that gastroenterologists remain vigilant for this rare complication as this subset of patients has a particularly poor prognosis. These cases are also important in considering the risk of open-ended thiopurine therapy.