What is the treatment for refractory celiac disease?
The treatment of refractory celiac disease is first to make sure that all gluten is eliminated from the diet. If there still is no improvement, medications are used. • Corticosteroids such as prednisone have been used successfully in treating some patients with refractory celiac disease. • Immuno-suppressive drugs (medications that suppress a person’s immune system) such as azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan) and cyclosporine also have been used. (These drugs also are used in treating some types of cancer.) • Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs are potent medications with potentially serious side effects. Many patients with refractory celiac disease are malnourished and have weakened immune systems, and corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents can further increase their risk of serious infections. Thus doctors experienced with treating celiac disease should monitor treatment of refractory celiac disease. Unfortunately in some patients with refractory celiac disease, malabsorption
