Safety of Thioguanine in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Multi-Center Case Series

Publication date

2022-12-01

Authors

Bayoumy, Ahmed B.
Jagt, Jasmijn Z.
Van Wering, Herbert M.
De Ridder, Lissy
Hummel, Thalia
Wolters, VM
Stapelbroek, Janneke
Benninga, Marc A.
Mulder, Chris J.J.
De Boer, Nanne K.H.

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Advisors

Supervisors

Document Type

Article

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Abstract

Objectives: Thioguanine (TG) has been shown as a safe alternative in adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who did not tolerate conventional thiopurines [azathioprine (AZA)/mercaptopurine]. However, data in pediatric IBD are scarce. Therefore, we aimed to assess the safety of TG as maintenance therapy. Methods: A retrospective, multicenter cohort study of children with IBD on TG was performed in the Netherlands. TG-related adverse events (AE) were assessed and listed according to the common terminology criteria for AE. Results: Thirty-six children with IBD (median age 14.5 years) on TG (median dose 15 mg/day) were included in 6 centers. Five AE occurred during follow-up [pancreatitis (grade 3), hepatotoxicity (grade 3) (n = 2), Clostridium difficile infection (grade 2), and abdominal pain (grade 2)]. All patients (n = 8) with a previously AZA-induced pancreatitis did not redevelop pancreatitis on TG. Conclusions: In pediatric IBD, TG seems a safe alternative in case of AZA-induced pancreatitis. Further research assessing long-Term TG-related safety and efficacy is needed.

Keywords

inflammatory bowel disease, pediatrics, thioguanine, thiopurines, Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health, Gastroenterology

Citation

Bayoumy, A B, Jagt, J Z, Van Wering, H M, De Ridder, L, Hummel, T, Wolters, V M, Stapelbroek, J, Benninga, M A, Mulder, C J J, De Boer, N K H & De Meij, T G J 2022, 'Safety of Thioguanine in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease : A Multi-Center Case Series', Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, vol. 75, no. 6, pp. E111-E115. https://doi.org/10.1097/MPG.0000000000003621