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Granulocyte and monocyte apheresis therapy for patients with active ulcerative colitis associated with COVID-19: a

Miki Koroku1, Teppei Omori1, Harutaka Kambayashi1

  • 1Institute of Gastroenterology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.

Intestinal Research
|April 27, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Granulocyte and monocyte apheresis safely induced ulcerative colitis remission during COVID-19. This treatment removed activated myeloid cells without immunosuppression, offering a new option for inflammatory bowel disease patients.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Ulcerative colitis (UC) management is challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Immunosuppressive therapies are generally contraindicated in UC patients with COVID-19 due to increased risks.
  • Limited treatment options exist for active UC during SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Observation:

  • A 25-year-old Japanese male with active UC also contracted COVID-19.
  • Standard immunosuppressive treatments were not considered suitable for this patient.
  • Adjuvant adsorptive granulocyte and monocyte apheresis was administered.

Findings:

  • Granulocyte and monocyte apheresis successfully induced remission of active ulcerative colitis.
  • The apheresis procedure effectively removed activated myeloid cells.
  • Remission was achieved without the need for immunosuppressive therapy.

Implications:

  • Adsorptive granulocyte and monocyte apheresis presents a safe and effective non-immunosuppressive treatment option for active UC.
  • This apheresis modality offers a viable therapeutic strategy for UC patients co-infected with COVID-19.
  • Case report highlights a novel approach to managing complex gastrointestinal and infectious disease comorbidities.

Keywords:
COVID-19Case reportsGranulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresisUlcerative colitis

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