title: [Clinical evaluation of filtration leukocytapheresis(LCAP) in rheumatoid arthritis(RA)].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Rheumatic and Collagen Disease Center, Sasebo Chuo Hospital.
authors.forename: Yukitaka
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ueki
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Takashima
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Matsumoto
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Miyake
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hidaka
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Suzuki
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Eguchi
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D016207:Cytokines