The First Case of Biological Therapy Discontinuation After a Complete Remission Induced by Maintenance Therapy With Adalimumab for Refractory Ulcerative Colitis

A 43-year-old woman, diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) at age of 30, received outpatient treatment with corticosteroids. However, flare-up occurred, and adalimumab (ADA) treatment commenced in July 2009. A complete remission with mucosal healing was achieved by 32 weeks after initiation of ADA therapy. Because of progressive skin eruptions, ADA maintenance was discontinued at 124 weeks. Regardless, complete remission with mucosal healing was maintained until 176 weeks. We concluded that ADA is an effective therapy to achieve a complete remission in a patient with steroid-refractory UC, and that long-term complete remission may be an important indication to discontinue biological therapy.