Granulocytapheresis is useful as an alternative therapy in patients with steroid-refractory or -dependent ulcerative colitis.

Background: Recently, granulocyte and monocyte adsorption apheresis (GCAP) has been shown to be safe and effective for active ulcerative colitis (UC). We analyzed the safety and efficacy of GCAP (G-1 Adacolumn) in patients with steroid-refractory and -dependent UC. G-1 Adacolumn is filled with cellulose acetate carriers that selectively adsorb granulocytes and monocytes/macrophages.