Azathioprine versus Mycophenolate Mofetil in combination with anti-TNF alpha agents in the management of Crohn's Disease

Background: Combination therapy of biologics and immunomodulators is sometimes necessary in chronically active Crohn's disease to achieve remission and prevent further complications. Treatment escalation in patients who are intolerant to thiopurines can be very challenging as there are few alternative immunosuppressive agents. In this study we evaluate mycophenolate mofetil in combination with an anti-TNF alpha agent in patients who are intolerant to azathioprine. Methods: 17 patients under double immunosuppression (mycophenolate mofetil + biologic) were compared to 29 randomly chosen patients with an azathiopri…