Azathioprine myelosuppression in multiple sclerosis: characterizing thiopurine methyltransferase polymorphisms.

Abstract

We describe two multiple sclerosis patients who developed pancytopenia following treatment with azathioprine. They were found to have the homozygous polymorphism for thiopurine methyltransferase deficiency and recovered after cessation of drug therapy. We review the literature concerning this molecular derangement and underscore the importance of performing surveillance testing for allelic characterization prior to treatment intervention with this agent for immune-mediated disorders.

• Authors: E M Frohman, E Havrdova, B Levinson, O Slanar
• Journal: Multiple sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England) (Mult Scler) Vol. 12 Issue 1 Pg. 108-11 (Feb 2006) ISSN: 1352-4585 [Print] England
• PMID: 16459728 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Immunosuppressive Agents
• Methyltransferases
• thiopurine methyltransferase
• Azathioprine

Topics

• Adolescent
• Azathioprine (adverse effects)
• Female
• Genetic Variation
• Homozygote
• Humans
• Immunosuppressive Agents (adverse effects)
• Methyltransferases (genetics)
• Middle Aged
• Multiple Sclerosis (blood, drug therapy, enzymology, genetics)
• Pancytopenia (chemically induced)
• Polymorphism, Genetic