Japanese pediatric patient with refractory steroid-resistant ulcerative colitis successfully treated with

Toshihiko Kakiuchi1, Masato Yoshiura

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan.

Medicine
|November 18, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Tofacitinib successfully induced and maintained remission in a pediatric patient with moderately active ulcerative colitis (UC) refractory to other treatments. This case highlights tofacitinib as a safe and effective option for pediatric UC management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric gastroenterology
  • Immunomodulatory therapies
  • Inflammatory bowel disease research

Background:

  • Tofacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor, shows efficacy in adult ulcerative colitis (UC).
  • Limited data exists on tofacitinib's efficacy in pediatric UC patients.
  • Current treatment options for refractory pediatric UC are often limited.

Observation:

  • A 9-year-old boy presented with a 2-month history of diarrhea and bloody stools.
  • Colonoscopy confirmed total colitis-type UC with a pediatric UC activity index score of 40 (moderately active).
  • The patient was refractory to multiple biologic therapies including vedolizumab, golimumab, and ustekinumab.

Findings:

  • Tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily was administered for steroid-resistant UC.
  • The patient achieved and maintained clinical remission of UC without adverse events.
  • This represents the first reported pediatric case of tofacitinib-induced UC remission in Japan.

Implications:

  • Tofacitinib demonstrates safety and efficacy in pediatric patients with moderately active UC.
  • It offers a potential therapeutic option for steroid-dependent UC refractory to other biologics.
  • Lower-dose tofacitinib induction therapy may be sufficient, potentially reducing adverse events in children and adults.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD01:29

Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the colon and rectum. The primary drugs used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis are aminosalicylates. They exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. They modulate inflammatory mediators and inhibit the activity of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Aminosalicylates also reduce inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene production and decreasing neutrophil chemotaxis and superoxide...
219
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents01:29

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel...
248
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2...
188
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management01:29

Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management

Upon diagnosis, managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) involves addressing several crucial aspects. The primary goals include resting the bowel, correcting malnutrition, and providing symptomatic relief. Resting the bowel may consist of medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Correcting malnutrition is essential, often requiring dietary adjustments and nutritional supplements. Symptomatic relief aims to ease pain, diarrhea, and other discomforts in IBD.
Pharmacologic...
169
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF01:24

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab...
211
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis01:27

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
289