Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effect of azathioprine in rheumatoid arthritis. But fears have been expressed about the possible mutagenic and teratogenic effects of prolonged use. If the drug could be withdrawn once remission is achieved, and this remission be then maintained with other agents, the possible complications of long-term therapy might be avoided. A double-blind controlled study was carried out over 8 months in 32 patients receiving long-term azathioprine therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Substitution of placebo for active drug resulted in clinical deterioration.
Full text
PDF
Selected References
These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.
- Currey H. L., Harris J., Mason R. M., Woodland J., Beveridge T., Roberts C. J., Vere D. W., Dixon A. S., Davies J., Owen-Smith B. Comparison of azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, and gold in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Br Med J. 1974 Sep 28;3(5934):763–766. doi: 10.1136/bmj.3.5934.763. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Harris J., Jessop J. D., Chaput de Saintonge D. M. Further experience with azathioprine in rheumatoid arthritis. Br Med J. 1971 Nov 20;4(5785):463–464. doi: 10.1136/bmj.4.5785.463. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Hunter T., Urowitz M. B., Gordon D. A., Smythe H. A., Ogryzlo M. A. Azathioprine in rheumatoid arthritis: a long-term follow-up study. Arthritis Rheum. 1975 Jan-Feb;18(1):15–20. doi: 10.1002/art.1780180103. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Lewis P., Hazleman B. L., Hanka R., Roberts S. Cause of death in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with particular reference to azathioprine. Ann Rheum Dis. 1980 Oct;39(5):457–461. doi: 10.1136/ard.39.5.457. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Mason M., Currey H. L., Barnes C. G., Dunne J. F., Hazleman B. L., Strickland I. D. Azathioprine in rheumatoid arthritis. Br Med J. 1969 Feb 15;1(5641):420–422. doi: 10.1136/bmj.1.5641.420. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Thomas M. H., Bergen W., Philips V. K., Rothermich N. O. Immunosuppressive therapy in rheumatic diseases. A retrospective study. Ohio State Med J. 1975 Sep;71(11):624–626. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Urowitz M. B., Gordon D. A., Smythe H. A., Pruzanski W., Ogryzio M. A. Azathioprine in rheumatoid arthritis. A double-blind, cross over study. Arthritis Rheum. 1973 May-Jun;16(3):411–418. doi: 10.1002/art.1780160319. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]