Selective Cell Apheresis (SCA)

Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and colitis ulcerosa) are usually treated with antiinflammatory drugs or by surgical interventions. SCA is a subtype of apheresis where leukocytes are removed to reduce the inflammation. In a systematic search for available evidence for efficacy and safety of this intervention 4 randomised controlled studies as well as 8 uncontrolled interventional studies complied to the inclusion criteria. Although all of the studies present weakness of methodological quality, a nett benefit for the treatment of Colitis ulcerosa can be assumed. Therefore a restricted recommendation for the intervention of SCA can be made.