Adsorptive cytapheresis for ulcerative colitis with focus on removing platelets and platelet-aggregates

Introduction Platelet abnormalities and secondary thrombocytosis are clinical features of ulcerative colitis (UC) and seem to play a relevant role in pathogenesis. This work analyzed the adsorption characteristics of the adsorber Immunopure. Methods A prospective study was performed to investigate the module in vitro with blood from healthy donors in a down-scaled recirculation model and in vivo in six patients suffering from UC. Furthermore, adsorber beads were investigated by immunofluorescence analyses. Apheresis was performed over 5 weeks at weekly intervals. Results In vitro as well as in vivo, the module showed a strong adsorption of platelets, monocytes, CD14(+)CD16(+) monocytes, neutrophils, and platelet leukocyte aggregates (PLAs). Five of the six patients benefited from the treatment (83%), and four (67%) went into remission. On average, the CAI was reduced by 6.4 points. Conclusion Immunopure treatments improved the course of the disease and were well tolerated. The module strongly adsorbs platelets and platelet-aggregates.