The use of tacrolimus for recurrent lupus enteritis: a case report

• Main Authors: Takasawa Naruhiko, Fujii Hiroshi, Tajima Yumi, Watanabe Ryu, Hirabayashi Yasuhiko, Shirai Tsuyoshi, Ishii Tomonori, Harigae Hideo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2010-05-01
• Series: Journal of Medical Case Reports
• Online Access: http://www.jmedicalcasereports.com/content/4/1/150

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Patients with lupus enteritis sometimes experience recurrence. In such cases, the addition of cyclophosphamide to the treatment regimen is recommended. However, an appropriate treatment has not been established in cases where cyclophosphamide failed to prevent the disease.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>An 18-year-old Japanese woman was admitted for a recurrence of lupus enteritis. One year before admission she was treated for lupus enteritis with high-dose corticosteroid together with intravenous cyclophosphamide pulse therapy. Upon admission, she was administered again with high-dose corticosteroid and her abdominal pain rapidly subsided. Tacrolimus was later used as an immunosuppressive agent and a complete remission has been maintained.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Tacrolimus can be a useful agent for recurrent lupus enteritis that is resistant to conventional therapy.</p>