Granulocytapheresis in the treatment of patients with active ulcerative colitis.

In recent years, considering the role of inflammatory processes and the involvement of the immune system in ulcerative colitis, granulocytapheresis, a technique for removing circulating leukocytes and preventing their migration into the intestinal mucosa, has been proposed for the treatment of acute ulcerative colitis. Initially introduced for the treatment of patients who did not respond to conventional therapy only, this new therapy may become a useful and safe method to induce clinical remission in patients with acute disease. This article will review the clinical applications and issues concerning the use of granulocytapheresis in ulcerative colitis.