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Granulocyteaphaeresis in steroid-dependent inflammatory bowel disease: a prospective, open, pilot study

  1. E. Domènech1,
  2. J. Hinojosa2,
  3. M. Esteve-Comas3,
  4. F. Gomollón4,
  5. J. M. Herrera5,
  6. G. Bastida6,
  7. A. Obrador7,
  8. R. Ruiz8,
  9. C. Saro9,
  10. M. A. Gassull1,
  11. for the Spanish Group for the Study of Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (GETECCU)1

Article first published online: 6 DEC 2004

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2004.02288.x

Issue

Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Volume 20, Issue 11-12, pages 1347–1352, December 2004

Additional Information

How to Cite

Domènech, E., Hinojosa, J., Esteve-Comas, M., Gomollón, F., Herrera, J. M., Bastida, G., Obrador, A., Ruiz, R., Saro, C., Gassull, M. A. and for the Spanish Group for the Study of Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (GETECCU) (2004), Granulocyteaphaeresis in steroid-dependent inflammatory bowel disease: a prospective, open, pilot study. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 20: 1347–1352. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2004.02288.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona

  2. 2

    Hospital Puerto de Sagunto, Sagunto

  3. 3

    Hospital Mútua de Terrassa, Terrassa

  4. 4

    Hospital Miguel Servet, Zaragoza

  5. 5

    Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla

  6. 6

    Hospital La Fe, Valencia

  7. 7

    Hospital Son Dureta, Palma de Mallorca

  8. 8

    Hospital Reina Sofía, Córdoba

  9. 9

    Hospital de Cabueñes, Gijón

*Dr E. Domènech, Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, 5a planta edifici general, Ctra. del Canyet, s/n, 08916 Badalona, Spain. E-mail: domenech@ns.hugtip.scs.es

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 6 DEC 2004
  2. Article first published online: 6 DEC 2004
  3. Accepted for publication 23 September 2004

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Summary

Background : Uncontrolled studies suggest that granulocyteaphaeresis might be useful in the management of active ulcerative colitis.

Aim : To assess the efficacy of granulocyteaphaeresis treatment in active steroid-dependent inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods : We conducted a multicentre, prospective, open, pilot study in patients with steroid-dependent inflammatory bowel disease. All patients were started on 60 mg/day of prednisone; after 1 week, a five-session programme of granulocyteaphaeresis (once per week) was started. The steroid dose was tapered weekly if there was clinical improvement. Remission was defined as an inactive clinical activity index together with complete withdrawal of steroids at week 6. The patients were followed up for at least 6 months or until disease relapse.

Results : Twenty-six patients (14 ulcerative colitis, 12 Crohn's disease) were included. More than a half had been previously treated with immunomodulators. Remission was achieved in 62 and 70% of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, respectively. During a median follow-up of 12.6 months, six of eight ulcerative colitis patients maintained their clinical remission; however, only one Crohn's disease patient remained in remission after the first 6 months of follow-up.

Conclusions : Granulocyteaphaeresis is a safe treatment option in inflammatory bowel disease. A five-session programme of granulocyteaphaeresis seems to be efficient in the treatment of steroid-dependent ulcerative colitis, but not in Crohn's disease.

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