Several 9-alkyl, 6-thiopurines have been reported to have more favorable therapeutic indexes than do the parent drugs, 6-mercaptopurine (MP) and 6-thioguanine (TG). Some of these compounds were reported to be active against cells in culture resistant to 6-thiopurines, and it has been assumed that their mechanisms of action may differ from those of TG and MP. 9-(n-Butyl)-6-thioguanine was essent...

BACKGROUND 6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP) and its prodrug azathioprine (AZA) have proven efficacy in the treatment of Crohn disease (CD). The immunosuppressive properties of AZA/6-MP are mediated by the intracellular metabolism of 6-MP into its active metabolites, 6-thioguanine nucleotides (6TGN) and 6methylmercaptopurine (6-MMP). Preliminary studies have suggested that the red blood cell concentratio...

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine long-term results between bioprosthetic (BP) and mechanical (MP) aortic valves in middle-aged patients. BACKGROUND It has not been established which is the best aortic valve substitute in patients ages 55 to 70 years. We conducted a randomized study to compare long-term outcomes between BP and MP aortic valves. METHODS Between January 1995 a...

PURPOSE The exact etiology of mesenteric panniculitis (MP) is still unknown and has been discussed in relation to different causes. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate a coherence between MP and malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective analysis of consecutive CT abdomen examinations of 5595 patients in terms of MP over a period of 3 years was performed. To make the diag...

OBJECTIVE The aim of this work was the follow-up and evaluation of valve replacement in children under 12 years of age. METHODS Forty-four children less than 12 years old were underwent valve replacement at INCOR-HCFMUSP between January 1986 and December 1992. Forty (91%) were rheumatic, 39 (88.7%) were in functional classes II or IV, 19 (43.2%) were operated upon on an emergency basis, and 6...