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. * 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 and malnutrition progress despite drugs. in these patients the intravenous route is the only way to deliver nutrition. total parenteral nutrition (tpn) is a way of delivering calories carbohydrates amino acids and fat in liquid solutions via a catheter that has been inserted and secured into a vein.
what is the treatment for refractory celiac disease?