Leukocytapheresis for Ulcerative Colitis

[David]

During my research this evening I came across something called Leukocytapheresis (click the link for a short wiki article with links to studies and detailed information). Leukocytapheresis is the process by which white blood cells, which are largely responsible for the inflammatory response in Ulcerative Colitis, are mechanically separated from the blood. The remission induction rate can be greater than 80% even in refractory UC and it appears to have little to no side effects. Has anyone ever heard of this? Has anyone undergone the process?

 

[PsychoJane]

I came across that article a few years ago when I was searching for treatment alternative. I found the idea really interesting:

http://www.med.umich.edu/ibd/docs/IBDNews Q32007.pdf

So I've heard of it but I've never known of anyone that has been through the trial or anything else. I would be really interest in hearing of people that have though. That seems like a nice alternative if it were to work properly.

 

[Oh poop!]

I have had apheresis as a treatment for my UC. It was about 7 years ago and was part of a barrage of treatment I was having to get me into remission from a severe flare-up. It was a trial that the hospital I was being treated in was doing. Ultimately though, I don't know if they could accurately assess to what extent it contributed to ultimately bringing me into remission. I have been in remission since but am on azathioprine and pentasa granules.

 

[David]

What's your feeling? Do you think it helped?

 

[PhoenixBird]

Hi there, I'm Juliet and I'm a newbie. I have UC and I'm getting this done as an option prior to considering a colectomy. I've tried and had bad reactions to steroids, Azathioprine, Cyclosporin, MP6 and I'm not willing to try Methotrexate at this stage. I'm defined at having mild to moderate colitis so my specialist thinks an appendectomy is worth it. He's had 10 patients in a similar position to me have this procedure done and had 7-8 with positive effects within 3 months. Fingers crossed! I'm on sick leave from work for 6 months and I hope I can go back soon with a new lease on life after all this.

 

[David]

That's great! Best of luck with it and please let us know how you do I pray the results are nothing but amazing.

Welcome to the community by the way. We'd love to have you introduce yourself in this forum so we can properly welcome you.

 

[2thFairy]

I've not heard of it before. Interesting. Too late for me, but still very interesting.

PhoenixBird, welcome to the forum!!