Usefulness of thiopurine methyltransferase and thiopurine metabolite analysis in clinical practice in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases
Journal | Volume 73 - 2010 |
Issue | Fasc.3 - Case series |
Author(s) | O. Dewit |
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St. Luc University Hospital, Department of Gastroenterology, Brussels, Belgium. |
Thiopurines (TP) are widely used in the management of inflam- matory bowel diseases. Side-effects and inefficacy are a major con- cern as they lead to withdrawal of the drug. Tools investigating TP metabolism are useful to avoid inadequate cessation of TP thera- py. TP metabolism is complex and many enzymes are involved. Among them, Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) is the only one routinely measured by pheno- or genotyping. In this review, the rationale for TPMT and thiopurine metabolites, 6-thioguanine nucleotides and 6-methylmercaptopurine, determination in clini- cal practice is discussed, specifically in case of thiopurine failure and recommendations are given about their interpretation and potential dose optimization of TP drugs. (Acta gastroenterolog. belg., 2010, 73, 331-335). |
© Acta Gastro-Enterologica Belgica. PMID 21086934 |