Tacrolimus therapy in moderate to subacute ulcerative proctocolitis: a large single-centre cohort study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To explore the 'real world' effectiveness of tacrolimus therapy for refractory ulcerative proctocolitis (UC).

DESIGN:

Retrospective cohort study using prospectively collated clinical data.

SETTING:

A single district general hospital in Kent, UK. Clinical decisions and regular monitoring were undertaken by a single expert in inflammatory bowel disease.

PATIENTS:

All patients started on tacrolimus between January 2010 and August 2016 at Tunbridge Wells Hospital.

INTERVENTIONS:

Following failure of conventional medication, tacrolimus was commenced at 0.5 mg/kg twice daily. Drug trough levels of 5-20 ng/mL were targeted. Other immunomodulation was stopped and steroids were weaned over 4-6 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Treatment duration was measured for each patient. If the drug was stopped, the rationale, including specific side effects, was recorded. The patient's subsequent management plan was noted.

RESULTS:

Thirty-five patients were started on tacrolimus (range: 18-85, median: 36 years). Disease extent included proctitis to pancolitis. Twenty-five patients derived no benefit. Four patients responded, but drug side effects necessitated withdrawal. Eighteen of these 29 patients (62%) underwent surgery. One patient, who had previously responded, stopped the drug after becoming pregnant (healthy subsequent birth). Therefore, 5 of 35 patients (14%) remain on tacrolimus with sustained clinical response, ranging from 6 to 76 (median: 32) months of treatment. Treatment was most effective for proctosigmoiditis. There were no other demographic or biological markers for success.

CONCLUSIONS:

In line with UK and European guidelines, tacrolimus can be beneficial for refractory UC. With appropriate monitoring, it appears treatment can be continued safely long term.

• Authors: Aamir Saifuddin, Adam Harris
• Journal: Frontline gastroenterology (Frontline Gastroenterol) Vol. 9 Issue 2 Pg. 148-153 (Apr 2018) ISSN: 2041-4137 [Print] England
• PMID: 29588844 (Publication Type: Journal Article)