Successful treatment of rectal ulcers in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus using corticosteroids and tacrolimus

Mod Rheumatol. 2014 Mar;24(2):357-60. doi: 10.3109/14397595.2013.852846.

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is frequently accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms. Although all parts of the gastrointestinal tract may be affected, colonic involvement is quite rare. Colonic ulceration, particularly in the rectum, is associated with a high mortality rate in patients with SLE, despite immunosuppressive therapy. While a standard regimen for treating rectal ulcers as a complication of SLE has not been established, combination therapy with steroids and immunosuppressive agents is necessary because of the associated high mortality rate. In this report, we describe a patient with SLE whose condition was complicated with ulcerative lesions in the rectum and sigmoid colon; the lesions were successfully treated with a combination of corticosteroids and tacrolimus therapy. Tacrolimus could be a useful additional or alternative modality for treating rectal involvement in SLE.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Rectal Diseases / complications
  • Rectal Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Tacrolimus / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ulcer / complications
  • Ulcer / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Tacrolimus