Effectiveness of Cytapheresis for Ulcerative Colitis in Special Situations: Delayed Onset of Optimum Efficacy in Elderly Patients.

BACKGROUND: Cytapheresis is a non-pharmacologic treatment option in which depleting elevated/activated leucocytes is known to exacerbate and perpetuate ulcerative colitis (UC) by releasing inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, it is a relevant treatment for elderly patients who wish to avoid pharmacologicals. METHODS: The efficacy of Cytapheresis for remission induction in 72 patients who received Cytapheresis for active UC at our hospital was retrospectively evaluated. Patients included 11 elderly cases, patients on steroids, biologics, calcineurin inhibitor, and 13 with extra-intestinal complications. Lichtiger's UC clinical activity index