RESUMO

Abstract This is a narrative review of azathioprine. This medication is immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive, and it has been used widely through different medical specialties to modify disease. It has been proven useful for several dermatoses and it has encountered success when used as an off-label indication for other dermatologic diseases. Its mechanism of action is described thoroughly, as well as precautions for monitoring adequate levels in patients using it. Dermatologists should also be aware of the possible adverse events it may present. In dermatology it can be used in bullous and autoimmune diseases, and in other conditions, including intractable pruritus, atopic dermatitis, photodermatoses, psoriasis, and others. Azathioprine offers an alternative as a steroid-sparing agent and this review helps dermatologists prescribe it safely to all patients who require it.

Assuntos

Humanos , Dermatopatias/tratamento farmacológico , Dermatologia , Eczema , Azatioprina/uso terapêutico , Imunossupressores/uso terapêutico

RESUMO

This is a narrative review of azathioprine. This medication is immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive, and it has been used widely through different medical specialties to modify disease. It has been proven useful for several dermatoses and it has encountered success when used as an off-label indication for other dermatologic diseases. Its mechanism of action is described thoroughly, as well as precautions for monitoring adequate levels in patients using it. Dermatologists should also be aware of the possible adverse events it may present. In dermatology it can be used in bullous and autoimmune diseases, and in other conditions, including intractable pruritus, atopic dermatitis, photodermatoses, psoriasis, and others. Azathioprine offers an alternative as a steroid-sparing agent and this review helps dermatologists prescribe it safely to all patients who require it.

Assuntos

Dermatologia , Eczema , Dermatopatias , Azatioprina/uso terapêutico , Humanos , Imunossupressores/uso terapêutico , Dermatopatias/tratamento farmacológico

RESUMO

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a lentivirus member of the Retroviridae family, the clinical spectrum of which includes: primary infection, clinically asymptomatic stage, early symptomatic infection, and advanced immunodeficiency. The latter can present with complications associated to opportunistic infections, malignancies, and/or neurological diseases. The cutaneous manifestations of HIV are extremely common and include those related with early HIV infection and other infectious diseases (bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic) and noninfectious etiologies. These manifestations may be the first signs of immunosuppression and can lead to the HIV diagnosis. The higher frequency of skin diseases occurs when the CD4 count is less than 250 cells/mm3. The knowledge of these defining cutaneous conditions in patients infected with HIV is essential for an early diagnosis of infection, for establishing an early antiretroviral treatment, and improving the prognosis of these patients.