Reduction in bradykinin generation during leukocytapheresis using novel cellsorba(TM) CS-180S: Effects of changing the filling solution.

We evaluated the bradykinin generation level during leukocytapheresis (LCAP) using novel Cellsorba(TM) CS-180S, which has sodium pyrosulfite and sodium carbonate as a filling solution. Subjects of this study were 14 rheumatoid arthritis patients. Regardless of the type of anticoagulant used, bradykinin levels were lower with the novel CS-180S than with the conventional CS-180S (28.

Gene expression analysis using a high-resolution DNA microarray of peripheral whole blood immediately before and after leukocytapheresis for rheumatoid arthritis.

Leukocytapheresis (LCAP) is a safe, unique therapy pertaining to intractable rheumatoid arthritis (RA) even in cases of drug allergy or infectious states. To investigate how to represent LCAP efficacy, we have conducted gene expression analyses from the peripheral blood of RA patients treated with non-woven polyethylene terephthalate filters. Peripheral blood samples were collected immediately before and after treatment from eight RA patients who received LCAP.

Autofeedback from ultrasound images provides rapid improvement in palpation skills for identifying joint swelling in rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: Joint swelling, an important factor in the classification criteria and disease activity assessment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), renders joint palpation a necessary skill for physicians. Ultrasound (US) examination that visualizes soft tissue abnormalities is now used to assess musculoskeletal disease. We assessed the usefulness of US assessments in enhancing physical joint examination skills.

Recent trends in use of nonbiologic DMARDs and evaluation of their continuation rates in single and dual combination therapies in rheumatoid arthritis patients in Japan.

Objective: We aim to examine changes in usage of nonbiologic, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and evaluate their continuation rates in Japan.

Methods: We analyzed DMARD treatment data for 3,734 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from 1998 to 2009 at Juntendo Hospital in Tokyo, Japan. The DMARD usage rate per month was determined to evaluate RA treatment history in the last decade.

Effect of various anticoagulant agents on large-volume leukocytapheresis using new Cellsorba CS-180S Filter.

We conducted a study to evaluate the effect of various anticoagulant agents on large-volume leukocytapheresis using the new Cellsorba CS-180S Filter filled with a changed solution of sodium pyrosulfite and sodium carbonate. We conducted the study on a total of 12 cases of rheumatoid arthritis. As the anticoagulant agents we used sodium citrate, nafamostat mesilate and low molecular weight heparin.

Single-center, retrospective analysis of efficacy and safety of tacrolimus as a second-line DMARD in combination therapy and the risk factors contributing to adverse events in 115 patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with tacrolimus (TAC) and other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). One hundred fifteen rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with tacrolimus were enrolled in this retrospective analysis. We collected clinical information, including patient background, treatment efficacy (evaluated using the DAS score), and adverse events observed.