A 32-year-old man comes to the clinic for follow-up due to Crohn disease. The patient was initially diagnosed 3 years ago and achieved disease remission following a course of high-dose glucocorticoids. He remained in remission until 2 months ago, when he experienced an acute flare of diarrhea and abdominal pain that required a brief hospitalization and another course of high-dose glucocorticoids. The patient completed a prescribed glucocorticoid taper earlier this week and says that his symptoms have returned to "about normal." Azathioprine maintenance therapy is started to help prevent future flares. Which of the following most accurately describes the expected effects of this new medication on immune function?

Question

A 32-year-old man comes to the clinic for follow-up due to Crohn disease.  The patient was initially diagnosed 3 years ago and achieved disease remission following a course of high-dose glucocorticoids.  He remained in remission until 2 months ago, when he experienced an acute flare of diarrhea and abdominal pain that required a brief hospitalization and another course of high-dose glucocorticoids.  The patient completed a prescribed glucocorticoid taper earlier this week and says that his symptoms have returned to "about normal."  Azathioprine maintenance therapy is started to help prevent future flares.  Which of the following most accurately describes the expected effects of this new medication on immune function?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Azathioprine is an immunosuppression drug that inhibits purine nucleotide synthesis and incorporates false purine nucleotides into DNA and RNA.  These effects reduce the proliferation and activity of both B and T lymphocytes.

A 32-Year-Old Man Comes to the Clinic for Follow-Up Due