Efficacy of azathioprine as second-line treatment in pulmonary sarcoidosis.

摘要: BACKGROUND AND AIM OF WORK Immunosuppressives such as azathioprine are occasionally used in sarcoidosis where corticosteroids cannot be because of poor response, contraindications or unacceptable side effects. The aim this study was to assess the efficacy and safety treatment pulmonary sarcoidosis. METHODS A retrospective performed on patients Respiratory Clinic university teaching hospital all biopsy-proven sarcoid treated with between 1969 1993 (n = 10). All had previously shown only partial 6) no 4) response high dose oral corticosteroids. Azathioprine a 100-150 mg administered daily, while continuing small corticosteroid. Patients underwent regular clinical evaluation, function testing chest radiography. RESULTS In one patient course too brief evaluate (26 days). Two significant sustained improvement lung (vital capacity increasing from 72% 89% 49% 79% predicted respectively, transfer factor 78% 114% 27% respectively), radiograph cleared. short-lived steroid-sparing effect. remainder 5), benefit observed. No responded who failed respond There toxicity. CONCLUSIONS may provide safe alternative when effect is required, but it unlikely effective fail and/or have radiographic evidence fibrosis.