Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2004 Oct 1;20(7):783-92. Related Articles,
Links

Granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis in the treatment of
active distal ulcerative colitis: a prospective, pilot study.

Yamamoto T, Umegae S, Kitagawa T, Yasuda Y, Yamada Y, Takahashi D,
Mukumoto M, Nishimura N, Yasue K, Matsumoto K.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Centre, Yokkaichi Social Insurance Hospital,
Yokkaichi, Mie, Japan. nao-taka@sannet.ne.jp

AIM: To assess safety and clinical efficacy of granulocyte and monocyte
adsorptive apheresis for distal ulcerative colitis. METHODS:
Granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis therapy (five aphereses
for 5 consecutive weeks) was performed for 30 consecutive patients with
active distal ulcerative colitis. Patient compliance, adverse effects
and clinical symptoms were regularly assessed. RESULTS: Adverse effects
were noted during nine (6%) apheresis sessions in eight patients;
slight headache five, transient abdominal pain with tenesmus two, fever
(38 degrees C) one and mild liver dysfunction one. None of these
adverse effects was serious and all patients could complete five
aphereses. Clinical symptoms (stool frequency and consistency, rectal
bleeding, tenesmus and mucus in stools) significantly improved after
the third apheresis. Clinical remission (normal stool frequency and no
rectal bleeding) was achieved in 21 patients (70%) after five
aphereses. The median Disease Activity Index score significantly
decreased; from 6 [interquartile range (IQR): 4-7] to 2 (IQR: 1-3) (P <
0.0001). CONCLUSION: In the treatment of active distal ulcerative
colitis, granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis is safe and
well-tolerated. Granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis had a
beneficial effect on clinical remission and symptoms. However,
randomized-controlled trials would be necessary to assess a definite
efficacy of granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis.

PMID: 15379839 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Who loves ya.
Tom
Jesus Was A Vegetarian! http://jesuswasavegetarian.7h.com
Man Is A Herbivore!
http://pages.ivillage.com/ironjustice/manisaherbivore
DEAD PEOPLE WALKING
http://pages.ivillage.com/ironjustice/deadpeoplewalking