Abstract
To determine the efficacy of leukocytapheresis (LCAP) using Cellsorba® column for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 5 apheresis procedures were performed in 72 drug-resistant RA patients, with 1-week intervals between procedures. We evaluated responses to LCAP therapy based on the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) core set and disease activity score (DAS) 28, SDAI and CDAI. As judged by ACR criteria, 65%, 35%, and 18% of patients achieved a 20%, 50% and 70% ACR response, respectively, 2 months after the last procedure. Based on the EULAR response criteria, 75% of patients exhibited better than a moderate response to therapy, 2 months after the last procedure. Mild adverse effects were encountered in 7 of 72 cases (9.7%). As judged by both ACR and EULAR response criteria, patients with stage I/II exhibited more effective responses than those with III/IV response to LCAP therapy. These data indicate that LCAP therapy is safe and clinically effective for RA,especially in early stage.
