A multicenter trial of 6-mercaptopurine and prednisone in children with newly diagnosed Crohn's disease

Gastroenterology. 2000 Oct;119(4):895-902. doi: 10.1053/gast.2000.18144.

Abstract

Background & aims: Clinical experience suggests that 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) is effective therapy for children with active steroid-dependent Crohn's disease (CD). We report the results of a prospective, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial evaluating the combination of 6-MP and prednisone as therapy for children with newly diagnosed moderate-to-severe CD.

Methods: Fifty-five children (age, 13+/-2 years) were randomized to treatment with 6-MP (1.5 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1)) or placebo within 8 weeks of initial diagnosis. Both groups also received prednisone (40 mg/day). Prednisone dosage adjustments were based on a defined schedule determined by the change in a subject's disease activity score, and steroid administration was discontinued as remission was achieved. Study treatment with 6-MP or placebo continued for 18 months.

Results: Groups were comparable for age, sex, and site and activity of disease. In the 6-MP group, the duration of steroid use was shorter (P<0.001) and the cumulative steroid dose lower at 6, 12, and 18 months (P<0.01). Although remission was induced in 89% of both groups, only 9% of the remitters in the 6-MP group relapsed compared with 47% of controls (P = 0.007). Growth was comparable in both groups. No clinically significant adverse events occurred, although mild leukopenia and increases in aminotransferase activity were noted in the 6-MP group.

Conclusions: Addition of 6-MP to a regimen of corticosteroids significantly lessens the need for prednisone and improves maintenance of remission. 6-MP should be part of the initial treatment regimen for children with newly diagnosed moderate-to-severe CD.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Crohn Disease / drug therapy*
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / adverse effects
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Growth
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Mercaptopurine / adverse effects
  • Mercaptopurine / therapeutic use*
  • Prednisone / adverse effects
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use*
  • Prospective Studies

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Mercaptopurine
  • Prednisone