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Stephen E. Wolverton, MD

Arch Dermatol. 2009;145(6):707-710.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Azathioprine is an antimetabolite immunosuppressive agent that was a major factor in rapidly ushering in the early years of solid organ transplantation. Dermatologists have used this moderate-potency immunosuppressive agent most commonly for bullous dermatoses, such as the pemphigus and pemphigoid spectrums, as well as for leukocytoclastic vasculitis and adults with severe atopic dermatitis. The adverse effects of greatest concern have been hematologic toxic effects (eg, agranulocytosis and pancytopenia) along with lymphoma risk (primarily in patients who have undergone organ transplantation). In addition, liver toxic effects (with or without the presence of the drug hypersensitivity syndrome) and gastrointestinal (GI) tract symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, can result in the cessation of azathioprine therapy in selected patients (Table).

Table appears in full text version. Table. Summary of Tests to Assess Azathioprine Nonresponders

In 1995, Snow and Gibson^1-2 brought the topic of the enzyme thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) to the attention of the . . . [Full Text of this Article]

IN AN IDEAL WORLD


COMPARABLE SCENARIOS FOR TESTING POLYMORPHISMS OF INTEREST TO DRUG THERAPY

OVERVIEW OF THE STUDY IN THIS ISSUE OF THE ARCHIVES

ADDITIONAL ISSUES RAISED IN THE STUDY

SOME QUESTIONS FOR FUTURE STUDIES

AUTHOR INFORMATION


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Thioguanine Nucleotides and Thiopurine Methyltransferase in Immunobullous Diseases: Optimal Levels as Adjunctive Tools for Azathioprine Monitoring
Rokea A. el-Azhary, Sara A. Farmer, Lisa A. Drage, Roy S. Rogers, III, Marian T. McEvoy, Mark D. P. Davis, Alina G. Bridges, and Lawrence E. Gibson
Arch Dermatol. 2009;145(6):644-652.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT