Azathioprine-induced Agranulocytosis and Severe Alopecia After Kidney Transplantation Associated With a NUDT15 Polymorphism: A Case Report.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Azathioprine (AZA) is the drug recommended for the continuation of immunosuppressive treatment after renal transplant in women during pregnancy. CASE REPORT A 37-year-old Japanese female developed agranulocytosis and severe alopecia after initiation of AZA (50 mg), used as an alternative to mycophenolate mofetil (MMF, 1000 mg) therapy in anticipation of a planned pregnancy. Within 4 days of the initiation of AZA therapy, the patient developed a high fever, leucopenia, and cranial alopecia. Genetic testing revealed a homozygous polymorphism of NUDT15 (rs116855232, NM_018283.3c.415C>T p.Arg139Cys), which has previously been identified as a risk factor for AZA-related complications in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. CONCLUSION: Genetic screening for NUDT15 could contribute to the prevention of serious adverse reactions to AZA and provide the opportunity for personalized medicine. Identification of a safe alternative to MMF during pregnancy after a renal transplant is a problem to be resolved in the future.