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Tacrolimus treatment for refractory lupus cystitis
Hiroshi Maruoka1, Seiyo Honda, Masaaki Takeo
1Department of Medicine, Division of Respiratology and Neurology, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahimachi, Kurume, 830-0011, Japan. maruoka@med.kurume-u.ac.jp
Modern Rheumatology
|August 15, 2006
Summary
Tacrolimus effectively treated lupus cystitis refractory to corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants in a patient with a critical intestinal complication. This finding suggests tacrolimus as a potential therapy for severe lupus cystitis.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Urology
- Immunology
Background:
- Lupus cystitis is a rare but severe manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Corticosteroid therapy is the mainstay for lupus cystitis, but refractory cases pose a significant challenge.
Observation:
- A 23-year-old woman with a history of lupus cystitis experienced a recurrence despite long-term corticosteroid therapy.
- Conventional immunosuppressants including cyclosporine, cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, and salazosulfapyridine failed to achieve remission.
- The patient developed critical intestinal pseudo-obstruction, necessitating alternative treatment.
Findings:
- Tacrolimus administration led to prompt remission of lupus cystitis.
- The treatment was well-tolerated, with no significant adverse events observed.
- This suggests tacrolimus efficacy in corticosteroid- and immunosuppressant-refractory lupus cystitis.
Implications:
- Tacrolimus represents a potential therapeutic option for severe, refractory lupus cystitis.
- This case highlights the need for exploring alternative immunosuppressive agents in lupus management.
- Further research is warranted to confirm tacrolimus's role in lupus cystitis treatment.