A Case of Severe Bronchial Asthma Controlled with Tacrolimus. (6th April 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Taniguchi, Hirokazu; Tokui, Kotaro; Iwata, Yasuhiro; Abo, Hitoshi; Izumi, Saburo
• Other Names: Moqbel Redwan Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of allergy. Volume 2011(2011)
• Publication Date: 2011-04-06
• Subjects: Allergy -- Periodicals; Immunologic diseases -- Periodicals; Allergy and Immunology; Hypersensitivity; Immune System Diseases; Allergy; Immunologic diseases; Electronic journals; Periodical; Periodicals; 616.97
• DOI: 10.1155/2011/479129
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-9783

Abstract

Abstract : Background . The control of severe bronchial asthma, such as corticosteroid-resistant asthma, is difficult. It is also possible that immunosuppressive agents would be effective for bronchial asthma. Case Summary . A 55-year-old Japanese female presented with severe bronchial asthma controlled with tacrolimus. She had been diagnosed with bronchial asthma during childhood. Her asthma worsened, and a chest radiograph showed atelectasis of the left lung. Bronchoscopy revealed the left main bronchus to be obstructed with viscous sputum consisting of 82% neutrophils and no eosinophils. The atelectasis did not improve with corticosteroid treatment, but was ameliorated by administration of tacrolimus. Discussion . This patient had severe asthma due to neutrophilic inflammation of the airways. Tacrolimus is effective for treating severe asthma, for example, in corticosteroid-resistant cases.