Safety and Efficacy of Granulocyte/Monocyte Apheresis in Steroid-Dependent Active Ulcerative Colitis with Insufficient Response or Intolerance to Immunosuppressants and/or Biologics [the ART Trial]: 12-week Interim Results

Granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis (GMA) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A useful therapeutic tool not just in ulcerative colitis but also in Crohn's disease

INTRODUCTION

Granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis (GMA) removes neutrophils and monocytes from peripheral blood, preventing their incorporation into the inflamed tissue also influencing cytokine balance. Published therapeutic efficacy in ulcerative colitis (UC) is more consistent than in Crohn's disease (CD). We assessed clinical efficacy of GMA in UC and CD 4 weeks after last induction session, at 3 and 12 months, sustained remission and corticosteroid-free remission.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Retrospective observational study of UC and CD patients treated with GMA. Partial Disease Activity Index-DAIp in UC and Harvey-Bradshaw Index-HBI in CD assessed efficacy of Adacolumn® with induction and optional maintenance sessions.

RESULTS

We treated 87 patients (CD-25, UC-62), 87.3% corticosteroid-dependent (CSD), 42.5% refractory/intolerant to immunomodulators. In UC, remission and response were 32.2% and 19.3% after induction, 35.5% and 6.5% at 12 weeks and 29% and 6.5% at 52 weeks. In CD, remission rates were 60%, 52% and 40% respectively. In corticosteroid-dependent and refractory or intolerant to INM patients (UC-41, CD-14), 68.3% of UC achieved remission or response after induction, 51.2% at 12 weeks and 46.3% at 52 weeks, and 62.3%, 64.3% and 42.9% in CD. Maintained remission was achieved by 66.6% in CD and 53.1% in UC. Up to 74.5% of patients required corticosteroids at some timepoint. Corticosteroid-free response/remission was 17.7% in UC and 24% in CD.

CONCLUSIONS

GMA is a good therapeutic tool for both in UC and CD patients. In corticosteroid-dependent and refractory or intolerant to INM patients it avoids biological therapy or surgery in up to 40% of them in one year.

Adsorptive cytapheresis in ulcerative colitis: A non-pharmacological therapeutic approach revisited

Adsorptive cytapheresis proves effective in a proportion of patients affected by ulcerative colitis. Relatively high cost and the need for apheresis facilities, prevented the widespread use of this therapeutic approach. More so following the introduction of anti-TNFα biosimilars which proved both effective and inexpensive. Anti-TNFα agents, however, are burdened by high rate of primary and secondary non-response and prompt switching to new, high-cost biologics, and small molecules. The present review analyzes advantages and disadvantages of adsorptive cytapheresis in the present clinical scenario and suggests its repositioning in the therapeutic workup of selected subgroups of ulcerative colitis patients. The extremely favorable safety profile makes adsorptive cytapheresis a viable therapeutic option in elderly and high-risk UC patients, as well as potential second-line treatment in corticosteroid-dependent patients and poor responders to first-line biologics.

Therapeutic Granulomonocytapheresis as a Non-pharmacologic Treatment Option for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Efficacy Reports on a Wide Age Range and Disease Profile

The major phenotypes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) include ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), which cause debilitating symptoms, including bloody diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and fever. Patients require life-long immunosuppressive medications, which cause adverse side effects as additional morbidity factors. However, IBD is initiated and perpetuated by inflammatory cytokines, and given that in patients with IBD myeloid lineage leukocytes are elevated with activation behavior and release inflammatory cytokines, selective depletion of elevated granulocytes and monocytes by granulomonocytapheresis is a relevant therapeutic option for IBD patients. Therefore, a column filled with specially designed beads as granulomonocytapheresis carriers for selective adsorption of myeloid lineage leukocytes (Adacolumn) has been applied to treat patients with active IBD. Patients receive up to 10 granulomonocytapheresis sessions at one or two sessions per week. During each session, the carriers adsorb up to 60% of the myeloid leukocytes from the blood that passes through the granulomonocytapheresis column. Efficacy rates in the UC setting have been as high as 85% in steroid-naïve patients, and 100% in drug-naïve, first-episode cases, but patients with a long duration of active IBD and extensive colonic lesions that have become refractory to pharmacological treatment have not responded well. However, granulomonocytapheresis has a favorable safety profile. Given that immunosuppressive medications used to treat IBD potentially may increase the risk of severe viral infection, non-drug granulomonocytapheresis should be a favorable treatment strategy. Further, by targeting granulomonocytapheresis to patients with background features and identifying a patient as a likely responder, futile use of medical resources is avoided.

GADECCU 2022 Guideline for the treatment of Ulcerative Colitis. Adaptation and updating of the GETECCU 2020 Guideline

INTRODUCTION

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease that compromises the colon, affecting the quality of life of individuals of any age. In practice, there is a wide spectrum of clinical situations. The advances made in the physio pathogenesis of UC have allowed the development of new, more effective and safer therapeutic agents.

OBJECTIVES

To update and expand the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of relevant treatments for remission induction and maintenance after a mild, moderate or severe flare of UC.

RECIPIENTS

Gastroenterologists, coloproctologists, general practitioners, family physicians and others health professionals, interested in the treatment of UC.

METHODOLOGY

GADECCU authorities obtained authorization from GETECCU to adapt and update the GETECCU 2020 Guide for the treatment of UC. Prepared with GRADE methodology. A team was formed that included authors, a panel of experts, a nurse and a patient, methodological experts, and external reviewers. GRADE methodology was used with the new information.

RESULTS

A 118-page document was prepared with the 44 GADECCU 2022 recommendations, for different clinical situations and therapeutic options, according to levels of evidence. A section was added with the new molecules that are about to be available.

CONCLUSIONS

This guideline has been made in order to facilitate decision-making regarding the treatment of UC, adapting and updating the guide prepared by GETECCU in the year 2020.

Efficacy of cytapheresis in patients with ulcerative colitis showing insufficient or lost response to biologic therapy

For the optimal management of refractory ulcerative colitis (UC), secondary loss of response (LOR) and primary non-response to biologics is a critical issue. This article aimed to summarize the current literature on the use of cytapheresis (CAP) in patients with UC showing a poor response or LOR to biologics and discuss its advantages and limitations. Further, we summarized the efficacy of CAP in patients with UC showing insufficient response to thiopurines or immunomodulators (IM). Eight studies evaluated the efficacy of CAP in patients with UC with inadequate responses to thiopurines or IM. There were no significant differences in the rate of remission and steroid-free remission between patients exposed or not exposed to thiopurines or IM. Three studies evaluated the efficacy of CAP in patients with UC showing an insufficient response to biologic therapies. Mean remission rates of biologics exposed or unexposed patients were 29.4 % and 44.2%, respectively. Fourteen studies evaluated the efficacy of CAP in combination with biologics in patients with inflammatory bowel disease showing a poor response or LOR to biologics. The rates of remission/response and steroid-free remission in patients with UC ranged 32%-69% (mean: 48.0%, median: 42.9%) and 9%-75% (mean: 40.7%, median: 38%), respectively. CAP had the same effectiveness for remission induction with or without prior failure on thiopurines or IM but showed little benefit in patients with UC refractory to biologics. Although heterogeneity existed in the efficacy of the combination therapy with CAP and biologics, these combination therapies induced clinical remission/response and steroid-free remission in more than 40% of patients with UC refractory to biologics on average. Given the excellent safety profile of CAP, this combination therapy can be an alternative therapeutic strategy for UC refractory to biologics. Extensive prospective studies are needed to understand the efficacy of combination therapy with CAP and biologics.

Targeting neutrophils in inflammatory bowel disease: revisiting the role of adsorptive granulocyte and monocyte apheresis

INTRODUCTION

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic immune-mediated disease of the gastrointestinal tract comprising Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). While any part of the digestive tract can be affected in CD, mucosal inflammation in UC is limited to the colon. Differences and similarities between the two conditions are reflected by their pathophysiology.

AREAS COVERED

An overview of immunological aspects, pharmacological management, and biomarkers of IBD is provided. The role of adsorptive granulocyte and monocyte apheresis (GMA) is reviewed including its primary and secondary effects on the immune system, as well as clinical studies in IBD (mainly UC), and potential biomarkers for adsorptive GMA.

EXPERT OPINION

In UC, adsorptive GMA with Adacolumn (Adacolumn®, JIMRO Co., Ltd. Takasaki, Gunma, Japan) selectively depletes elevated myeloid lineage leukocytes and has a range of beneficial secondary immune effects. Adsorptive GMA is a safe and effective non-pharmacological treatment option for UC. Pilot studies have reported promising results for adsorptive GMA in combination with biological agents, although larger studies are required. Fecal calprotectin concentrations, neutrophil counts in histological samples and/or the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in peripheral blood may prove to be useful biomarkers for predicting GMA effectiveness in the future.

Heterophyllin B an Active Cyclopeptide Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-induced Colitis by Modulating Gut Microbiota and Repairing Intestinal Mucosal Barrier via AMPK Activation

SCOPE

Advances in pathology broaden our perception of the intimate interaction between gut microbiota dysbiosis and the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC), but the potential modulating roles remain to be elucidated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

DSS-induced colitis was used to investigate the effect of Heterophyllin B (HB), a typical active cyclopeptide extracted from Pseudostellaria heterophylla, on colitis and gut microbiota. Administration of HB substantially mitigated the symptoms of UC as evidenced by increasing body weight and colon length, as well as decreased macrophages infiltration in the colon. Meanwhile, HB significantly alleviated intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction by reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines, while all the mentioned beneficial effects were significantly eliminated by co-treatment with compound C, a selective AMPK inhibitor. In addition, 16S rDNA gene analyses and fecal microbiota transplantation also revealed that HB dramatically prevented against UC by reshaping intestinal dysbiosis, especially elevated the relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila.

CONCLUSION

These findings illustrated that HB prominently improved intestinal epithelial homeostasis via activating AMPK and ameliorated the colonic inflammation in a gut microbiota-dependent manner, which provide evidence for microbial contribution to UC pathogenesis and suggesting a novel approach for colitis prevention. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Fecal calprotectin is a useful biomarker for predicting the clinical outcome of granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis in ulcerative colitis patients: a prospective observation study

BACKGROUND

Granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis (GMA) is widely used as a remission induction therapy for active ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. However, there are no available biomarkers for predicting the clinical outcome of GMA. We investigated the utility of Fecal calprotectin (FC) as a biomarker for predicting the clinical outcome during GMA therapy in active UC patients.

METHODS

In this multicenter prospective observation study, all patients received 10 sessions of GMA, twice a week, for 5 consecutive weeks. FC was measured at entry, one week, two weeks, and at the end of GMA. Colonoscopy was performed at entry and after GMA. The clinical activity was assessed based on the partial Mayo score when FC was measured. Clinical remission (CR) was defined as a partial Mayo score of ≤ 2 and endoscopic remission (ER) was defined as Mayo endoscopic subscore of either 0 or 1. We analyzed the relationships between the clinical outcome (CR and ER) and the change in FC concentration.

RESULT

Twenty-six patients were included in this study. The overall CR and ER rates were 50.0% and 19.2%, respectively. After GMA, the median FC concentration in patients with ER was significantly lower than that in patients without ER (469 mg/kg vs. 3107 mg/kg, p = 0.03). When the cut-off value of FC concentration was set at 1150 mg/kg for assessing ER after GMA, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.8 and 0.81, respectively. The FC concentration had significantly decreased by one week. An ROC analysis demonstrated that the reduction rate of FC (ΔFC) at 1 week was the most accurate predictor of CR at the end of GMA (AUC = 0.852, P = 0.002). When the cut-off value of ΔFC was set at ≤ 40% at 1 week for predicting CR at the end of GMA, the sensitivity and specificity were 76.9% and 84.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

We evaluated the utility of FC as a biomarker for assessing ER after GMA and predicting CR in the early phase during GMA in patients with active UC. Our findings will benefit patients with active UC by allowing them to avoid unnecessary invasive procedures and will help establish new strategies for GMA.

GETECCU 2020 guidelines for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Developed using the GRADE approach

INTRODUCTION

Since the first edition of the Guidelines was published in 2013, much information has been generated around the treatment of ulcerative colitis, and new drugs and action protocols have been introduced. Clinical practice has changed substantially, warranting new approaches and a comprehensive review and update of the evidence.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Once again, we used the GRADE approach, supported by an electronic tool (https://gradepro.org). The clinical scenarios are the same as in the previous version (induction and maintenance in severe and mild-moderate flare-ups), as are the variables and their evaluation. However, in the updated guidelines, three questions have been deleted, 14 added and 30 maintained, making a total of 44 clinical questions. After an exhaustive review of the evidence, the recommendations are now updated.

RESULTS

Of the 44 questions analysed, no recommendation could be established in two due to the very low quality of the evidence, while in the other 42, based on different degrees of quality of evidence, recommendations were made according to the GRADE system. In 25 of these questions the final recommendation is strongly in favour, in six strongly against, in seven weakly in favour and in four weakly against. According to the scenarios and recommendations, six algorithms are proposed as a simple guide for practical decision-making.

CONCLUSIONS

The aim of this update of the 2013 guidelines is to provide answers, based on the GRADE approach, to the different questions we ask ourselves daily when deciding the most appropriate treatment for our patients with ulcerative colitis in the different clinical scenarios.

Chronic Antibiotic-Refractory Pouchitis: Management Challenges

Background

Pouchitis is the most common long-term complication in patients with ulcerative colitis who underwent restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. The incidence of acute pouchitis is 20% after 1 year and up to 40% after 5 years. Chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis develops in approximately 10% of patients.

Aim

To present a narrative review of published literature regarding the management of chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis.

Methods

Current relevant literature was summarized and critically evaluated.

Results

Clear definitions should be used to classify pouchitis into acute versus chronic, and responsive versus dependent versus refractory to antibiotics. Before treatment is started for chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis, secondary causes should be ruled out. There is a need for validated scoring systems to measure the severity of the disease. Because chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis is a rare condition, only small studies with often a poor study design have been performed. Treatments with antibiotics, aminosalicylates, steroids, immunomodulators and biologics have shown to be effective and safe for chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis. Also, treatments with AST-120, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, tacrolimus enemas, and granulocyte and monocyte apheresis suggested some efficacy.

Conclusion

The available data are weak but suggest that therapeutic options for chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis are similar to the treatment strategies for inflammatory bowel diseases. However, randomized controlled trials are warranted to further identify the best treatment options in this patient population.

Pyoderma gangrenosum with primary sclerosing cholangitis-associated colitis successfully treated with concomitant granulocyte and monocyte adsorption apheresis with corticosteroids

An 18-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with fever, diarrhea and painful skin ulcers in both pretibial areas starting 19 days earlier. The skin lesions appeared deep necrotic ulcers with violaceous undermined borders. She had been diagnosed as ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) 6 and 5 years before, respectively, and had stopped having regular check-up and refused medication for years. Her clinical history and skin lesions led us to suspect of pyoderma gangrenosum (PG). The skin biopsy showed aseptic abscess formation with neutrophils infiltration in the dermis without bacteria. Thus, she was diagnosed with PG. 1 mg/kg/day of prednisolone was administered and ten sessions of granulocyte and monocyte adsorption apheresis (GMA) were started. Magnetic resonance cholangiography showed multifocal bile duct strictures due to PSC. Total colonoscopy revealed ulcerative pancolitis with spared normal mucosa in the rectum. After the treatments, her symptoms and the skin lesion improved dramatically. She was discharged on the 45th day with 25 mg/day of prednisolone. In conclusion, this is the first reported case of PG with PSC-associated colitis that showed dramatic response to the concomitant GMA therapy with corticosteroids. Together with previous reports, concomitant GMA therapy with corticosteroids may be an effective treatment for PG.

Leukocytapheresis in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases

Leukocytapheresis, a blood purification therapy, exerts anti-inflammatory effects by removing activated leukocytes from the peripheral blood through extracorporeal circulation. It is a potential option of treatment for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), especially those with ulcerative colitis (UC), who do not respond to conventional therapy. Given that it has a favourable safety profile and seems to have steroid sparing effects, its position in the treatment of UC is likely to expand. However, there is inadequate evidence to draw any conclusions about the efficacy of leukocytapheresis in patients with Crohn's disease, and it should only be used in accordance with special arrangements for consent. Considering the current level of knowledge, it is essential to conduct large, well-designed, randomized clinical trials to evaluate the effects of leukocytapheresis in the management of IBD patients.

Cytapheresis re-induces high-rate steroid-free remission in patients with steroid-dependent and steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

It is a crucial issue for patients with refractory ulcerative colitis (UC), including steroid-dependent and steroid-refractory patients, to achieve and maintain steroid-free remission. However, clinical studies focused on the achievement of steroid-free remission in refractory UC patients are insufficient. Cytapheresis (CAP) is a non-pharmacological extracorporeal therapy that is effective for active UC with fewer adverse effects. This study comprised UC patients treated with CAP and suggested the efficacy of CAP for refractory UC patients.

AIM

To clarify the efficacy of CAP in achieving steroid-free remission in refractory UC patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the collected data from 55 patients with refractory UC treated with CAP. We analyzed the following points: (1) Efficacy of the first course of CAP; (2) Efficacy of the second, third, and fourth courses of CAP in patients who experienced relapses during the observation period; (3) Efficacy of CAP in colonic mucosa; and (4) Long-term efficacy of CAP. Clinical efficacy was evaluated using Lichtiger's clinical activity index or Sutherland index (disease activity index). Mucosal healing was evaluated using Mayo endoscopic subscore. The primary and secondary endpoints were the rate of achievement of steroid-free remission and the rate of sustained steroid-free remission, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using the paired t-test and chi-squared test.

RESULTS

The rates of clinical remission, steroid-free remission, and poor effectiveness after CAP were 69.1%, 45.5%, and 30.9%, respectively. There were no significant differences in rate of steroid-free remission between patients with steroid-dependent and steroid-refractory UC. The mean disease activity index and Lichtiger's clinical activity index scores were significantly decreased after CAP (P < 0.0001). The rates of steroid-free remission after the second, third, and fourth courses of CAP in patients who achieved steroid-free remission after the first course of CAP were 83.3%, 83.3%, and 60%, respectively. Mucosal healing was observed in all patients who achieved steroid-free remission after the first course of CAP. The rates of sustained steroid-free remission were 68.0%, 60.0%, and 56.0% at 12, 24, and 36 mo after the CAP. Nine patients (36%) had maintained steroid-free remission throughout the observation period.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that CAP effectively induces and maintains steroid-free remission in refractory UC and re-induces steroid-free remission in patients achieving steroid-free remission after the first course of CAP.

Clinical Considerations Regarding the Use of Thiopurines in Older Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The number of older patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing due to both improvements in the life expectancy of patients with long-lasting IBD and later onset of the disease. In spite of a less aggressive IBD phenotype, disease management in older patients is hampered by comorbidities and polypharmacy (which increase the risk of drug-related adverse events and errors in medication intake) and also by an increased risk of the infections and malignancies associated with the immunosuppressive drugs that are frequently used to treat IBD. Thiopurines are the most frequently used immunosuppressive drugs in IBD, though they are often discontinued due to adverse events. However, when tolerated, thiopurines are efficient in the maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In fact, thiopurines still have a role to play in the treatment algorithm of older patients with IBD because anti-tumor necrosis factor agents do not provide clear advantages for this population in terms of their safety profile, while data on the new biological drugs are still scarce. In this article, we review the optimal use of thiopurines in older patients with IBD.

Factors associated with the outcomes in ulcerative colitis patients undergoing granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis as remission induction therapy: A multicenter cohort study

Ulcerative colitis (UC) patients harbor activated myeloid leukocytes, which exacerbate and perpetuate UC by releasing inflammatory cytokines. Granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis (GMA) with an Adacolumn depletes elevated myeloid leukocytes, inducing efficacy with favorable safety. To understand how the clinical outcome with GMA is affected by prior corticosteroid treatment or concomitant immunomodulators, a retrospective multicenter study in 102 UC patients, who had not responded well to first-line medications was undertaken. The remission rates after a course of GMA therapy were significantly higher in corticosteroid-naïve patients compared with those with prior corticosteroid exposure. Absence of corticosteroid background was an independent predictive factor of response to GMA. Further, in corticosteroid-naïve patients, the 1-year cumulative sustained remission rate in patients who did not receive immunomodulators was significantly higher than in patients who received immunomodulators. Accordingly, multivariate analysis revealed that immunomodulator was associated with higher risk of relapse. In conclusion, GMA was an effective treatment for corticosteroid-naïve patients and the efficacy sustained longer in those not receiving immunomodulators during GMA. GMA fulfills the notion that apheresis is to induce disease remission by removing from the body factors known to perpetuate disease. In therapeutic settings, these findings should help better decision making and avoid futile use of medical resources.

Selective granulocyte and monocyte apheresis in inflammatory bowel disease: Its past, present and future

The etiology and pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, are not fully understood so far. Therefore, IBD still remains incurable despite the fact that significant progress has been achieved in recent years in its treatment with innovative medicine. About 20 years ago, selective granulocyte and monocyte apheresis (GMA) was invented in Japan and later approved by the Japanese health authority for IBD treatment. From then on this technique was extensively used for IBD patients in Japan and later in Europe. Clinical trials from Japan and European countries have verified the effectiveness and safety of GMA therapy in patients with IBD. In 2013, GMA therapy was approved by China State Food and Drug Administration for therapeutic use for the Chinese IBD patients. However, GMA therapy has not been extensively used in China, although a few clinical studies also showed that it was effective in clinical and endoscopic induction of remission in Chinese IBD patients with a high safety profile. This article reviews past history, present clinical application as well as the future prospective of GMA therapy for patients with IBD.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Japan-Is It Similar to or Different from Westerns?

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, the most common types of inflammatory bowel disease, are idiopathic, intractable disease characterized by chronic inflammation in the intestine. In recent years, studies elucidating the clinical characteristics of these diseases and basic researches have suggested that the diseases are induced by the immunological abnormalities through the involvement of environmental factors with their predisposition. In Japan, significant progress of basic and epidemiological researches has been developed for these diseases and the clinical guidelines have been established. However, no fundamental treatment for these diseases has been established yet. The current number of patients in Japan continues to increase, with at least 180,000 patients suffering from ulcerative colitis and 40,000 suffering from Crohn's disease. Thus, further studies are required to understand these diseases and improve medical treatments.

Safety and effectiveness of granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in special situations: a multicentre cohort study

BACKGROUND

The available information on granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis (GMA) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) under special situations remains unclear. We conducted a retrospective, multicentre cohort study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of GMA in patients with IBD under special situations.

METHODS

This study included patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease who had at least one special situation feature and who had received GMA between November 2013 and March 2017. The incidence of adverse events (AEs) was compared in relation to the special situation, and patient background factors related to an AE were identified. For patients with UC, clinical remission was defined as a partial Mayo score of ≤2.

RESULTS

A total of 437 patients were included in this study. The incidence of AEs among the elderly patients (11.2%) was similar in all patients (11.4%), whereas the incidences of AEs in patients on multiple immunosuppressant medications (15.2%), patients with anaemia (18.1%) and paediatric/adolescent patients (18.9%) were higher than that in all patients (11.4%). In multivariate analysis, anaemia and concomitant immunosuppressant medications were independently associated with the incidence of AEs. Clinical remission was achieved in 46.4% of the patients with UC.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of AEs in the elderly patients was not higher than that in all patients, whereas the incidence of AE was higher in patients with anaemia and those on multiple immunosuppressant medications than that in all patients. GMA is a safe treatment option in elderly patients with IBD.

Granulomonocytapheresis as a cell-dependent treatment option for patients with inflammatory bowel disease: Concepts and clinical features for better therapeutic outcomes

Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) are major phenotypes of the chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which afflicts millions of individuals throughout the world with debilitating symptoms. The chronic nature of IBD means that patients require life-long medications, and this may lead to drug dependency, loss of response together with adverse side effects as additional morbidity factors. The efficacy of antitumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α biologics has validated the role of inflammatory cytokines notably TNF-α in the exacerbation and perpetuation of IBD. However, cytokines are released by myeloid lineage leucocytes like the CD14⁺ CD16⁺ monocyte phenotype. Additionally in IBD, myeloid leucocytes are elevated with activation behavior, while lymphocytes are compromised. Therefore, patients' leucocytes appear logical targets of therapy. Adsorptive granulomonocytapheresis (GMA) with an Adacolumn uses carriers, which interact with the Fcγ receptor expressing leucocytes and deplete the elevated myeloid leucocytes, while the neutrophils, which re-enter the circulation via the Adacolumn outflow (≥40%) are phagocytosed by CD19 B-cells to become interleukin (IL)-10 producing Bregs or CD19^high CD1D^high B-cells. IL-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine. GMA has been applied to treat patients with IBD. The efficacy outcomes have been impressive as well as disappointing, the clinical response to GMA defines the patients' disease course and severity at entry. Efficacy outcomes in patients with deep ulcers together with extensive loss of the mucosal tissue are not encouraging, while patients without these features respond well and attain a favorable long-term disease course. Accordingly, for responder patients, GMA fulfills a desire to be treated without drugs.

Faecal calprotectin level for assessing endoscopic activity and predicting future clinical course in patients with moderately active ulcerative colitis undergoing granulomonocytapheresis: a prospective cohort study

Background

Calprotectin is a stable neutrophil protein, which can be measured in faecal samples. The faecal level of calprotectin increases during disease activity in ulcerative colitis (UC). Nonetheless, the relevance of faecal calprotectin (FC) measurement during granulomonocytapheresis (GMA) for UC has not yet been fully evaluated. This prospective study was to investigate the value of FC for assessing disease activity and predicting clinical course in UC patients undergoing GMA therapy.

Methods

One hundred and eighty-four patients with moderately active UC with endoscopic activity (Mayo endoscopic subscore [MES] = 2 or 3) received Adacolumn GMA therapy (10 apheresis sessions over consecutive 5 weeks). Patients who achieved clinical remission were subsequently given maintenance medications for 12 months. FC levels were measured at entry and after treatment.

Results

After GMA, 80 of the 184 patients (43%) achieved clinical remission, and 51 (28%) achieved mucosal healing (MH; MES = 0 or 1). The median FC level significantly decreased in patients who achieved MH (P = 0.02), but not in those without MH. Thirty-four patients (43%) relapsed during the 12-month follow-up. The median FC level at the end of GMA therapy was significantly higher in patients who subsequently relapsed than in those who maintained remission (149.5 vs 45.5 μg/g, P < 0.001). A cut off value of 114 μg/g had a sensitivity of 76% and a specificity of 85% to predict future relapse.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that FC is a relevant biomarker, which is convenient to measure for assessing endoscopic activity and predicting relapse in patients who achieve remission following a course of GMA therapy.

A new sight for paraquat poisoning from immunology

Paraquat (methyl viologen, PQ) is highly toxic to humans. Pulmonary fibrosis is the most common cause of death after PQ poisoning. However, no effective therapy is available. The current treatment dilemma and pathology suggest that we should reconsider how to treat the poisoning using other methods, such as immunization. Some clues indicate that immune mechanisms may play important roles in the pathology of PQ poisoning. We implemented a simple experiment to test the hypothesis that activated innate immunity was involved in acute lung injury induced by PQ. Six rats were randomly distributed to two groups: PQ poisoning group and Immunosuppression group (cyclophosphamide pretreatment). Forty-eight hours after PQ administration, rats were anesthetized. The right lungs were excised for histopathology. The experimental results confirmed that in the set of immune deficiency, the inflammatory response in Immunosuppression group could not be effectively triggered so the lung pathology was much better than PQ poisoning group. The immunopathogenic mechanism of PQ poisoning may be essentially a sterile inflammation triggered and amplified by damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). If the hypothesis is established, it may change the therapeutic regimen of PQ poisoning and the prognosis of patients.

A multicenter retrospective study aiming to identify patients who respond well to adsorptive granulomonocytapheresis in moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis

Objectives

Adsorptive granulomonocytapheresis (GMA) with the Adacolumn has been introduced as a non-pharmacologic treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC). However, a subset of patients who might respond well to GMA needs to be targeted. This study was conducted at three IBD centers to determine factors affecting the efficacy of GMA in patients with moderately-to-severely active UC.

Methods

From January 2008 to December 2017, a total of 894 active episodes (first attack or relapse) in 593 patients were treated with GMA. Clinical remission was defined as normal stool frequency and no rectal bleeding. Multiple clinical and laboratory parameters at entry were considered for efficacy assessment.

Results

Clinical remission was achieved during 422 (47%) of the 894 treatment cases. In the multivariate analysis, predictors for favorable response to GMA were age ≤60 years, UC duration <1 year, Mayo endoscopic subscore 2 (vs. 3), steroid naïve UC, and biologic naïve UC. Clinical remission rate was 70% in patients with four of the five factors, 52% in patients with three factors, 46% in patients with two factors, 39% in patients with one factor, and 18% in patients with none of these factors. Overall, the clinical remission rate was significantly higher in patients with a greater number of the five predictors (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

GMA appeared to be effective in steroid naïve and biologic naïve patients with short duration of UC. Elderly patients (>60 years) and those with severe endoscopic activity did not respond well to GMA. Additional, well designed, prospective, controlled trials should strengthen our findings.

Addition of Granulocyte/Monocyte Apheresis to Oral Prednisone for Steroid-dependent Ulcerative Colitis: A Randomized Multicentre Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Steroid-dependency occurs in up to 30% of patients with ulcerative colitis [UC]. In this setting, few drugs have demonstrated efficacy in inducing steroid-free remission. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding granulocyte/monocyte apheresis [GMA] to oral prednisone in patients with steroid-dependent UC.

METHODS

This was a randomized, multicentre, open trial comparing 7 weekly sessions of GMA plus oral prednisone [40 mg/day and tapering] with prednisone alone, in patients with active, steroid-dependent UC [Mayo score 4-10 and inability to withdraw corticosteroids in 3 months or relapse within the first 3 months after discontinuation]. Patients were stratified by concomitant use of thiopurines at inclusion. A 9-week tapering schedule of prednisone was pre-established in both study groups. The primary endpoint was steroid-free remission [defined as a total Mayo score ≤2, with no subscore >1] at Week 24, with no re-introduction of corticosteroids.

RESULTS

In all 123 patients were included [63 GMA group, 62 prednisone alone]. In the intention-to-treat analysis, steroid-free remission at Week 24 was achieved in 13% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6-24) in the GMA group and 7% [95% CI 2-16] in the control group [p = 0.11]. In the GMA group, time to relapse was significantly longer (hazard ratio [HR] 1.7 [1.16-2.48], P = 0.005) and steroid-related adverse events were significantly lower [6% vs 20%, P < 0.05].

CONCLUSIONS

In a randomized trial, the addition of 7 weekly sessions of GMA to a conventional course of oral prednisone did not increase the proportion of steroid-free remissions in patients with active steroid-dependent UC, though it delayed clinical relapse.

Granulocyte and monocyte apheresis in inflammatory bowel disease: The patients' point of view

BACKGROUND

Granulocyte and monocyte apheresis is the main non-pharmacological treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but we do not know how well accepted it is by patients in our setting.

AIM

To determine how granulocyte and monocyte apheresis is perceived by patients in clinical practice in Spain.

METHODS

Outpatients treated with granulocyte and monocyte apheresis in five IBD Units in Spain were asked to fill in a 14-item questionnaire.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients completed the questionnaire (88% ulcerative colitis, 12% Crohn's disease; 44% female; age 35 years [IQR 23-51]). Granulocyte and monocyte apheresis was generally well tolerated and well accepted. Very few of the participants regarded the length of the sessions as a limitation. The gastrointestinal symptoms, however, were a frequent concern, both in terms of attending to receive treatment and during the sessions. Overall, 44% were satisfied with the treatment effectiveness. Sixty percent (60%) claimed to be satisfied with the therapy overall, but this was influenced by the patients' clinical response to the therapy. Eighty-two percent (82%) of participants said they would agree to be treated with this technique again in the future, regardless of the response to the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Granulocyte and monocyte apheresis is well tolerated and accepted by patients with IBD. Although we found no significant differences according to type of IBD or apheresis regimen, patient perception was affected by clinical effectiveness.

Granulocyte/monocyte adsorptive apheresis for the treatment of therapy-refractory chronic active ulcerative colitis

OBJECTIVES

Current options for patients with steroid-dependent, chronic-active ulcerative colitis (UC) with insufficient response/intolerance to immunosuppressants (ISs) and/or biologics are limited. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcome of granulocyte/monocyte adsorptive (GMA) apheresis (Adacolumn^®) in this population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety five adults with steroid-dependent active UC and insufficient response/intolerance to IS and/or TNF inhibitors received 5-8 aphereses in a single induction series of ≤10 weeks. Endpoints included rates of remission (clinical activity index [CAI] ≤ 4) at weeks 24 and 48.

RESULTS

Of 94 patients (ITT population), remission and response rates were 34.0% and 44.7% at week 24, and 33.0% and 39.4% at week 48. Among 30 patients with prior failure of IS and biologics, 33.3% and 20.0% were in remission at weeks 24 and 48. At both weeks, 19.2% of patients achieved steroid-free remission. Sustained remission or response occurred in 27.7% of patients at 48 weeks. The cumulative colectomy rate at week 96 was 23.4%. Safety was consistent with previous findings.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms findings of the 12-week interim analysis and demonstrates that GMA apheresis provides a safe and beneficial long-term outcome for patients with chronic active UC resistant/intolerant to IS and/or TNF inhibitors.

Immunological Mechanisms of Adsorptive Cytapheresis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study of immunological pathways involved in the onset of IBD is of fundamental importance to identify potential biological markers of disease activity and specific targets for therapy. Removing excess and activated circulating leukocytes with adsorptive cytapheresis has been shown to be a potentially effective treatment for patients with an inflamed bowel. Adsorptive cytapheresis is a non-pharmacological approach for active IBD, in which known sources of inflammatory cytokines such as activated myeloid lineage leucocytes are selectively depleted from the circulatory system. The decrease in inflammatory load caused by removing these cells is thought to enhance drug therapy and thereby promote disease remission. The benefit of cytapheresis appears to rest upon its ability to reduce levels of certain immune cell populations; however, whether this depletion results in further changes in lymphocyte populations and cytokine production needs further clarification. In this review, we aim to summarize existing evidence on the role of cytapheresis in patients with IBD, its effect on cytokine levels and cellular populations, and to discuss its potential impact on disease activity.

Efficacy of granulocyte and monocyte apheresis for antibiotic-refractory pouchitis after proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis: an open-label, prospective, multicentre study

BACKGROUND

Granulocyte and monocyte apheresis (GMA) has shown therapeutic efficacy in active ulcerative colitis (UC). We thought that in patients with pouchitis after proctocolectomy for UC, GMA might produce immunological effects in the intestinal mucosa, and improve clinical symptoms. This prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of GMA for antibiotic-refractory pouchitis after proctocolectomy for UC.

METHODS

A total of 13 patients with pouchitis disease activity index (PDAI) > 7 unresponsive to 2 weeks of antibiotic therapy were included. All patients received 10 GMA sessions at 2 sessions/week over 5 consecutive weeks. The primary endpoints were response (a decrease of ⩾3 points in the PDAI) and remission (PDAI < 4). Secondary endpoints included reduction of white blood cells (WBCs), C-reactive protein (CRP), faecal markers (calprotectin and lactoferrin), reduction of the PDAI endoscopic subscore, and GMA safety.

RESULTS

The median PDAI score was significantly decreased from 11 (range, 9-15) at entry to 9 (range, 6-13) after the GMA therapy (p = 0.02). A total of six patients (46%) responded to the treatment, but none achieved remission. The median endoscopic subscore (maximum: 6) was 5 (range, 4-6) at entry and 5 (range, 1-6) after the treatment (p = 0.10). None of the laboratory markers (WBCs, CRP, faecal calprotectin and lactoferrin) significantly changed during the treatment. Transient adverse events (AEs) were observed in two patients (15%), dyspnoea in one and headache in one. The AEs were not serious, and all patients completed the 10 GMA sessions.

CONCLUSIONS

GMA has a good safety profile, but its efficacy appears to be limited in the management of chronic refractory pouchitis. However, a large controlled study should be conducted to evaluate the efficacy of GMA therapy in patients with pouchitis at an earlier clinical stage, before the disease has become refractory to conventional medical therapy.