Serum IgA concentration and hepatotoxicity in rheumatoid arthritis treated with azathioprine

Abstract

Comparison of C reactive protein concentration and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in patients with high initial IgA concentrations, low initial IgA concentration, and low initial IgA concentration with subsequent hepatotoxicity showed that there was no significant difference in disease activity between these three groups. Furthermore, hepatotoxicity occurred only with azathioprine, and other drug toxicity did not seem to be associated with initial low serum IgA concentration. We suggest that the apparent association between a low IgA concentration and the subsequent development of hepatotoxicity with azathioprine requires further clarification, but, at present, patients with a low IgA concentration starting treatment with azathioprine should be monitored particularly closely.