Centrifugal leukocyte apheresis for ulcerative colitis

Ther Apher. 1998 May;2(2):125-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1744-9987.1998.tb00089.x.

Abstract

Corticosteroids are effective in bringing about clinical remission for ulcerative colitis. However, relapsed cases are frequently refractory to corticosteroids. In addition, the long-term use of corticosteroids often causes serious side effects. We have already reported that leukocyte apheresis using a centrifugal procedure was effective for patients with corticosteroid-resistant ulcerative colitis after conducting a pilot study in 14 patients. In the present paper, the clinical efficacy of leukocyte apheresis using a centrifugal procedure was evaluated again for corticosteroid-resistant ulcerative colitis. Twenty-three patients with corticosteroid-resistant severely active ulcerative colitis were treated by centrifugal leukocyte apheresis. Eighteen patients (78.3%) achieved clinical remission which was evaluated by the clinical activity index within 4 weeks after apheresis. Both colonoscopic and histological examinations confirmed the beneficial effect of this procedure. No significant side effects were noticed throughout the therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Centrifugation
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leukapheresis / methods*
  • Male
  • Pilot Projects
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Prednisolone