Safety and efficacy of single-needle leukocyte apheresis for treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Leukocyte apheresis (LCAP) is a safe and effective treatment for active ulcerative colitis (UC) in Japan. Nevertheless, a limitation of LCAP is its requirement for two puncture sites (double-needle [DN] apheresis), sometimes leading to problems with needle puncture. Single-needle (SN) apheresis is useful in hemodialysis and reduces needle puncture pain.