Efficacy of Calcineurin Inhibitors for Induction of Remission in Intestinal Behçet's Disease

Abstract

Background: The efficacy of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) for induction of remission in intestinal Behçet's disease (intestinal BD) has not been explored. Methods: A multicenter retrospective case series study of patients with active intestinal BD treated with CNIs (cyclosporin and tacrolimus) was conducted. Results: Of 16 patients, 12 (75%) showed a clinical response and 5 (31.3%) achieved clinical remission after 2 weeks of CNI treatment. Similar efficacy of CNIs was observed even in 7 patients refractory to antitumor necrosis factor-alpha therapies. Endoscopic improvement was observed in 11 of 12 patients. Conclusions: CNIs may be promising treatment options for refractory intestinal BD.