[A case of severe alcoholic hepatitis successfully treated by granulocytapheresis].

A 34-year-old woman was admitted because of severe liver dysfunction due to excessive alcohol intake. Liver biopsy performed on the fifth day showed liver tissue with marked granulocyte infiltration and pericellular fibrosis. As there were no improvements in white blood cell count and serum total bilirubin levels despite the use of corticosteroids and plasma exchange, hemodiafiltration, we performed granulocytapheresis (GCAP). Peripheral white blood cells decreased from just after GCAP. Her condition remained stable and she was discharged on the 54th day. We suggest that GCAP can be recommended as an effective therapy for severe alcoholic hepatitis.