Where to find Granulocyte Apheresis treatment in London
No-one knows for sure what causes the first onset or relapseA return or worsening of the symptoms of a disease after a period of remission. of Inflammatory bowelA common name for the large and/or small intestines. disease (IBDAn abbreviation for inflammatory bowel disease, a group of inflammatory conditions of the intestine. The two major forms are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.), however, there is clear information to suggest that an increase in the number of white bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. cells is linked to acuteHas a sudden onset. attacks. Add in an over-aggressive immune response and you often find the usual symptoms of IBD. The inflammationThe body’s response to injury. which occurs when these cells infiltrate the lining of the intestineThe section of gut, or gastrointestinal tract, from the stomach to the anus. (gut wall) gives rise to tissueA group of cells with a similar structure and a specialised function. damage. Thanks to its immunomodulating effect on cell response Granulocyte Apheresis (GCAP ) offers a therapeutic alternative to supplement the standard IBD treatments.
HOW DOES GRANULOCYTE APHERESIS WORK?
Blood is drained from a veinA blood vessel that carries blood towards the heart. in the arm and filtered through a column called Adacolumn that removes the unwanted white blood cells and their products. The “washed” blood is then returned to a vein in the other arm. The session lasts for approximately one hour and the most common regimen is one session per week for five consecutive weeks. The drug heparinA substance produced by the body, or given as medication, that reduces the likelihood of the blood to clot, coagulate. is administered during the procedure to prevent blood-clotting problems in other parts of the body.
Routine laboratory tests to determine how well treatment is working reveal a reduction in all of the important markers for the disease, including C-reactive proteinA protein found in the blood. Raised levels suggest tissue damage or necrosis (death of cells)., and globular sedimentation rate. There seem to be additional associated benefits as other aspects of the disease process appear to have dampened down, leading to a reduction in symptoms and a considerable improvement in overall health-related quality of life.
This new therapy has been EU licensed since 2000 and NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) has given permission for this treatment to be used in selected, steroid refractory cases and in hospitals with appropriate expertise in the technology. Queens Hospital in Romford uses this treatment in a carefully selected group of patients. Please be aware that in the case of NHS patients this is a special treatment and therefore patients are advised to obtain prior permission from their own PCT (Primary Care Trust) for funding before referral to any centres where this treatment is available.
