Extracorporeal immunoadsorption treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

Immunoadsorption treatment is a non-drug therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment is based on filtering the patient's plasma through a column containing staphylococcal protein A. The treatment is effective in alleviating the symptoms of severe rheumatoid arthritis in some patients. Data on long-term outcomes are not available. The mechanism of action of this treatment is unclear. Most adverse effects are associated with the apheresis procedure. The cost per 12 week course of treatment is likely to be more than C $20,000. The cost-effectiveness of the technology is not yet established.