Description
6-Thioguanine nucleotides (6-TGN) are metabolites of azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine, drugs commonly used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Measurement of 6-TGN levels in the blood helps in assessing whether the dosage of these drugs is sufficient to be effective, yet not so high as to cause toxicity. Optimal 6-TGN levels can lead to improved disease management and remission in IBD patients, while suboptimal levels might suggest a need for dosage adjustment or a switch to another therapy. Monitoring 6-TGN levels helps in minimizing side effects while maximizing therapeutic benefits, ensuring personalized treatment plans. This test is particularly important because of the narrow therapeutic index of azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine, where slight changes in dose can significantly impact effectiveness and side effects.
