Nodular regenerative hyperplasia: a reversible entity associated with azathioprine therapy

Publication

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia: a reversible entity associated with azathioprine therapy

Journal Paper/Review - May 1, 2006

Seiderer Julia, Zech Christoph J, Diebold Joachim, Schoenberg Stefan O, Brand Stephan, Tillack Cornelia, Göke Burkhard, Ochsenkühn Thomas

Units

Gastroenterology/Hepatology

PubMed

16607155

Citation

Seiderer J, Zech C, Diebold J, Schoenberg S, Brand S, Tillack C, Göke B, Ochsenkühn T. Nodular regenerative hyperplasia: a reversible entity associated with azathioprine therapy. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2006; 18:553-5.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2006; 18

Publication Date

May 1, 2006

Issn Print

0954-691X

Pages

553-5

Brief description/objective

Azathioprine represents an effective and widely used immunosuppressant; however, there are increasing concerns about the hepatotoxicity of thiopurines because of an entity called "nodular regenerative hyperplasia" (NRH) observed in patients treated with 6-thioguanine. In line with this hypothesis, we report and comment on a patient with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) diagnosed with NRH as a reversible but potentially serious hepatotoxic side-effect of azathioprine. Our report strengthens the importance of further safety studies to evaluate the aetiology and prevalence of NRH in IBD patients before general conclusions on the use of thiopurines can be drawn. Physicians caring for IBD patients need to be alert to this rare but serious complication.