[Clinical evaluation of filtration leukocytapheresis(LCAP) in rheumatoid arthritis(RA)].
Filtration Leukocytapheresis(LCAP) is an alternative to thoracic duct drainage and LCAP using a centrifuge method with the advantages that it can be performed easily and inexpensively. Clinical trials revealed that LCAP is a safe and effective therapy for patients with drug-resistant rheumatoid arthritis(RA). Assessment of RA before and after LCAP showed a substantial and rapid improvement in tender joints counts, swollen joint counts, and patient's and physician's assessments. Careful analysis indicated that 64-80% of patients with RA showed > or = 20% improvement following LCAP therapy. Furthermore, we investigated the clinical evaluation of LCAP for RA over the 3 year-study period. Possible therapeutic mechanisms of LCAP on RA are summarized.
Ueki
Yukitaka
Y
Rheumatic and Collagen Disease Center, Sasebo Chuo Hospital.
Takashima
H
H
Matsumoto
K
K
Miyake
S
S
Hidaka
T
T
Suzuki
K
K
Eguchi
K
K
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000494:pharmacology; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000502:physiology; D004351:Drug Resistance; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005374:Filtration; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007937:Leukapheresis
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D016207:Cytokines