Rescue therapy with tacrolimus for a patient with severe ulcerative colitis refractory to combination leukocytapheresis and high-dose corticosteroid therapy

Intern Med. 2007;46(11):717-20. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.46.6219. Epub 2007 Jun 1.

Abstract

A19-year-old man complaining of severe diarrhea and hematochezia was admitted to our hospital. Endoscopic findings and laboratory data revealed that he had ulcerative colitis (UC). Despite combination therapy with high-dose corticosteroids and intensive granulocytapheresis, his condition did not improve. Therefore, we initiated tacrolimus therapy. Intravenous administration of tacrolimus with a trough level of 10 to 15 ng/ml relieved his abdominal symptoms within 1 week. The patient experienced no UC relapse 1 year after treatment with oral tacrolimus. Tacrolimus is a promising therapy for patients with UC refractory to the combination of high-dose corticosteroids and leukocytapheresis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / drug therapy*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Leukapheresis / methods
  • Male
  • Salvage Therapy / methods
  • Tacrolimus / administration & dosage
  • Tacrolimus / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Tacrolimus