Suspected azathioprine induced liver cirrhosis: an unusual side effect
In recent years, the hepatotoxic potential of thiopurines, in particular 6-thioguanine (6-TG) has been discussed in literature. However, cirrhosis was exceptionally reported. We report the case of a 56-year-old woman with ileocaecal Crohn's disease treated with azathioprine. After taking azathi...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
The Pan African Medical Journal
2014-03-01
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| Series: | The Pan African Medical Journal |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: |
https://www.panafrican-med-journal.com/content/article/17/174/pdf/174.pdf
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| Summary: | In recent years, the hepatotoxic potential of thiopurines, in particular 6-thioguanine (6-TG) has been discussed in literature. However, cirrhosis was exceptionally reported. We report the case of a 56-year-old woman with ileocaecal Crohn's disease treated with azathioprine. After taking azathioprine (2 mg/kg daily) for four years, she underwent surgical treatment for acute intestinal obstruction. In peroperative, we noticed a cirrhotic liver. A surgical biopsy was performed and the diagnosis of cirrhosis was confirmed. Autoimmune and viral liver diseases were ruled out by laboratory parameters. Therefore, Azathioprine is believed to be the causative actor for inducing liver cirrhosis. Thus, treating inflammatory bowel disease effectively while trying to limit iatrogenic disease is a continuous struggle. |
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| ISSN: | 1937-8688 1937-8688 |