Y Kashiwagi, S Go, S Nishimata, H Kawashima

Abstract

Leukocytapheresis (LCAP) therapy was administered to 2 patients with steroid-resistant ulcerative colitis (UC). In one patient, serum levels of cytokines decreased and clinical improvement was observed after each LCAP therapy session. In the other patient who was infected with cytomegalovirus (CMV), serum levels of cytokines did not decrease progressively and minimal clinical improvement was observed. CMV infection is considered to be an important exacerbating factor in patients with UC. Therefore, unaltered cytokine levels in patients receiving LCAP therapy may be associated with refractory UC.