Comparison between tacrolimus suppositories and beclomethasone suppositories for rectal inflammation, not responding to previous 5-ASA treatment.

Refractory ulcerative proctitis at least 3 months before randomization, proven endoscopically (inflammation grade score 2 or higher) or histologically (grading scale
2 or higher ).
Proctitis is defined as disease activity up to 20 cm beyond the anal verge.
Refractory proctitis defined as a failure to at least the use of 5-asa suppositories of a
maximum of 1 gram for at least 21 days and recurrent proctitis is defined as relapse
within 3 months after stopping of local adequate 5-asa treatment.
Endoscopy may have been performed up to 3 weeks before screening, if the endoscopy was well documented and biopsies were taken.
Age 18-70 years.
Written informed consent.
Permitted concomitant therapy: aminosalicylates, azathioprine, 6-mercatopurine and methotrexate at stable dose for 12 weeks,

Use of enemas within 14 days prior to randomization
Infliximab or other anti TNF treatment within 12 weeks prior to randomization
Treatment with tacrolimus prior to randomization
Treatment with any investigational drug within 12 weeks of randomization
Treatment with any form of corticosteroids within 4 weeks of randomization
Abnormal renal function (eGFR < 30 mL/min)
Presence of ova, parasites, toxins or other signs of infectious agents in stool sample.
Pre-existent leucopenia or thrombopenia (neutrophil count < 1,800/mm3 or platelets < 90,000/mm3)
Liver function tests abnormalities (>2 ULN).
Other significant medical illness that might interfere with this study:
Current malignancy, immunodeficiency syndromes.
Any known pre-existing medical condition that could interfere with the patient's
participation in and completion of the study such as:
- Pre-existing psychiatric condition, especially depression, or a history of severe
psychiatric disorder, such as major psychoses, suicidal ideation and/or suicidal
attempt are excluded. Severe depression would include the following: (a) subjects
who have been hospitalized for depression, (b) subjects who have received
electroconvulsive therapy for depression, or (c) subjects whose depression has
resulted in a prolonged absence of work and/or significant disruption of daily
functions. Subjects with a history of mild depression may be considered for entry into
the protocol provided that a pretreatment assessment of the subject¡¯s mental status supports that the subject is clinically stable and that there is ongoing evaluation of the
patient¡¯s mental status during the study
- CNS trauma or active seizure disorders requiring medication
- Significant cardiovascular dysfunction within the past 6 months (e.g. angina,
congestive heart failure, recent myocardial infarction, severe hypertension or
significant arrhythmia).
- Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus
- Significant pulmonary dysfunction/chronic disease (e.g. chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease)
- Renal insufficiency (elevated serum creatinine)
- Pregnancy, lactation
- Substance abuse, such as alcohol (80 gram/day), I.V. drugs and inhaled drugs. If
the subject has a history of substance abuse, to be considered for inclusion into the protocol, the subject must have abstained from using the abused substance for at least 2 years. Subjects receiving methadone within the past 2 years are also excluded
- Positive stool culture for enteric pathogens
- Any other condition which in the opinion of the investigator would make the patient
unsuitable for enrollment, or could interfere with the patient participating in and
completing the study.