Induction Therapy With Oral Tacrolimus Provides Long-Term Benefit in Thiopurine-Naive Refractory Ulcerative Colitis Patients Despite Low Serum Albumin Levels.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aim

Oral tacrolimus is an effective treatment for refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). However, tacrolimus is underutilized because of the difficulties in transitioning to subsequent maintenance therapy and concerns about adverse events.

Methods

We evaluated the clinical outcomes, adverse events, and accumulated medication costs in consecutive 72 UC patients treated with tacrolimus.

Results

Fifty-five (76%) patients with pancolitis and 43 (60%) patients with acute severe disease were entered. Fifty-four (75%) achieved clinical remission 8 weeks after starting tacrolimus. At the last visit, 62 (86%) patients had colectomy-free remission, and 55 (76%) patients had corticosteroid-free remission. Eighteen (25%) patients maintained remission without additiona

SUBMITTER: Igawa S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11962645 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature