A multicenter study of the efficacy and safety of leukocytapheresis therapy without concomitant systemic steroid treatment in patients with active ulcerative colitis

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.