Successful treatment with granulocyte and monocyte adsorption apheresis for plaque-type skin lesions in patients with psoriatic arthritis.

INTRODUCTION

Granulocyte and monocyte adsorption apheresis (GMA) is usually performed weekly for refractory skin diseases, such as generalized pustular psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

METHODS

Four patients with PsA who were refractory to previous treatments were enrolled. They received five or ten sessions of GMA. We assessed the clinical conditions of each patient and laboratory findings before and after GMA.

RESULTS

GMA was effective in plaque-type skin eruptions in all four patients with PsA. It was also effective in joint symptoms in three patients with PsA with mild symptoms, but was ineffective in one patient with severe joint symptoms.

CONCLUSION

GMA may be recommended to PsA patients with skin eruptions and mild joint symptoms.