[Investigation of the clinical usefullness of leukocytapheresis on rheumatoid arthritis resistant to or failed with the other treatments].

PURPOSE: To examine therapeutic effect of leukocytapheresis (LCAP) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) resistant to various treatments.

METHOD: Thirteen patients with RA (mean age : 60.8+/-11.4, male : female=5 : 8), 1 who were resistant to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics, or 2 who failed with those medicines because of side effects or complications. We performed LCAP, which was carried out once a week for a total of five sessions, with a throughput of about 0.1 L/kg. Before and after LCAP, we evaluated the effect of LCAP therapy.

RESULT: DAS28 (CRP) score was 5.70+/-1.12 before LCAP, 4.57+/-1.19 (P<0.05) just after the final LCAP and 4.83+/-1.35 (P<0.05) about 4 weeks after LCAP. DAS28 score decreased in all patients after LCAP. No serious adverse events were observed except temporary anemia.

CONCLUSION

LCAP therapy may be useful and safe for patients with RA resistant to conventional medication. Patients who show good clinical response by LCAP needs to be clarified.