Rescue therapy with tacrolimus in a patient with toxic megacolon.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Toxic megacolon is a life-threatening complication most commonly observed in patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease that is characterized by total or segmental nonobstructive colonic dilatation of at least 6 cm on plain abdominal films associated with systemic toxicity.

CASE REPORT:

We report an unusual case of fulminant steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis complicated by toxic megacolon treated successfully with the immunosuppressant tacrolimus.

CONCLUSION:

Tacrolimus administration induced clinical remission and bridged the time interval, until the standard immunosuppressant azathioprine could maintain clinical remission, thereby avoiding eminent emergency colectomy.

• Authors: Maria Pascu, Andrea R Müller, Bertram Wiedenmann, Axel U Dignass
• Journal: International journal of colorectal disease (Int J Colorectal Dis) Vol. 18 Issue 3 Pg. 271-5 (May 2003) ISSN: 0179-1958 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 12785330 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Immunosuppressive Agents
• Steroids
• Tacrolimus

Topics

• Adult
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (adverse effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Immunosuppressive Agents (therapeutic use)
• Megacolon, Toxic (drug therapy, etiology)
• Steroids
• Tacrolimus (therapeutic use)