title: A multicenter study of the efficacy and safety of leukocytapheresis therapy without concomitant systemic steroid treatment in patients with active ulcerative colitis.
abstract: We conducted a multicenter study to investigate the efficacy of leukocytapheresis (LCAP) without concomitant steroid therapy in active ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. Twenty patients were enrolled. LCAP was performed twice a week for 3 weeks. The results revealed a significant decrease of the Lichtiger's clinical activity index (CAI) from 11.7±2.6 at baseline to 6.6±4.1 after the therapy. The endoscopic index and serum C-reactive protein levels also decreased significantly after the therapy. Of the 20 patients, 15 (75%) were assessed as responders (CAI≤4 or ΔCAI≥3), and 7 (35%) achieved complete remission (CAI≤4). No serious adverse reactions were encountered. The results suggest that LCAP is an effective and safe option for patients with active UC who had not received systemic steroid treatment.
authors.affiliation: Third Department of Internal Medicine, Asahikawa Medical College, Japan. ashidat@sht-ibdcenter.net
authors.forename: Toshifumi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ashida
authors.forename: Yutaka
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kohgo
authors.forename: Akihiro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Munakata
authors.forename: Mitsunori
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Noguchi
authors.forename: Bunei
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Iizuka
authors.forename: Yutaka
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Endo
authors.forename: Hiroyuki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hanai
authors.forename: Toshikazu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yoshikawa
authors.forename: Takayuki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Matsumoto
authors.forename: Nobuo
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Aoyama
authors.forename: Toshiyuki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Matsui
authors.forename: Keiichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mitsuyama
authors.forename: Toshifumi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hibi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007937:Leukapheresis / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012074:Remission Induction; D012449:Safety; D013256:Steroids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D013256:Steroids; D002097:C-Reactive Protein