Ulcerative Colitis: Chino Y

Miyahara S, Ito S, Soeda A, Chino Y, Hayashi T, Takahashi R, Goto D, Matsumoto I, Tsutsumi A, Sumida T. · Department of Internal Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. · Intern Med. · Pubmed #16415554 links to  free full text

Abstract: We report two cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated with colonic ulcerations. One patient was successfully cured by steroid therapy, while the other did not respond to steroid but oral mesalazine was effective. Systemic lupus erythematosus is frequently accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms, but colonic lesions are quite rare, and the regular treatment is not fixed yet. The high-dose steroidal regimen may be effective for microvasculitis, although it may increase the risk of perforated ulcer of the intestinal tract, which is a life-threatening complication. Further analysis of its outcomes, and establishment of the regular guideline for its treatment are expected.

Tomomasa T, Kobayashi A, Kaneko H, Mika S, Maisawa S, Chino Y, Syou H, Yoden A, Fujino J, Tanikawa M, Yamashita T, Kimura S, Kanoh M, Sawada K, Morikawa A. · Department of Pediatrics, Gunma University Faculty of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan. · Dig Dis Sci. · Pubmed #12741466 No free full text.

Abstract: Granulocytapheresis (GCAP) has produced efficacy in adult patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) by adsorbing activated granulocytes and monocytes/macrophages. We retrospectively investigated efficacy and safety of GCAP in pediatric patients with active UC. Twelve steroid-refractory children (12.2 +/- 3.1 years old) were treated with GCAP, one session/week for 5-10 consecutive weeks. In 8 patients, clinical symptoms improved after two GCAP sessions. Normal body temperature, stool frequency, and disappearance of blood in stool were seen after 24.3 +/- 11.5 days. The endoscopic grade improved from 2.6 +/- 0.3 to 0.4 +/- 0.2. One patient who initially responded, developed bloody diarrhea later and 2 cases remained unchanged. The dose of steroid was tapered during GCAP therapy by 50%. No serious adverse effects were noted. Four of 8 cases relapsed 3.5 +/- 2.2 months after the last GCAP while on maintenance therapy, the other 4 were in remission up to 22.8 +/- 18.1 months. In conclusion, GCAP appears to be effective and well tolerated in children with steroid-refractory UC.