Ulcerative colitis (UC)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the general term for a group of diseases of unknown etiology causing chronic inflammation or ulceration in the large or small intestine. In most cases, IBD signifies ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). UC is characterized by inflammation in the innermost mucosal lining of the large intestine, causing erosions and ulcers. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, bloody stool, fever, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
Although the precise etiology of UC is unknown, it is thought to be related to abnormal immune system responses via autoimmune mechanisms. The immune system functions to exclude foreign substances from the body. When the immune mechanism malfunctions, for example, when it "recognizes" normal gastrointestinal bacteria as foreign, leukocytes are activated to release inflammatory cytokines, causing inflammation in the intestinal tract.
LCAP (leukocytapheresis) was developed as a therapy for inflammation in UC. It utilizes the Cellsorba leukocytapheresis filter in extracorporeal blood circulation to remove leukocytes responsible for inflammation from the peripheral blood. LCAP is a new therapeutic option for UC patients who do not or no longer benefit from conventional medications, or for patients who experience adverse effects from medications.

• Leukocytapheresis (LCAP)

• Cellsorba EX

• Ulcerative colitis (UC)