[Investigation of the clinical usefullness of leukocytapheresis on rheumatoid arthritis resistant to or failed with the other treatments].

Purpose: To examine therapeutic effect of leukocytapheresis (LCAP) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) resistant to various treatments.

Method: Thirteen patients with RA (mean age : 60.8+/-11.4, male : female=5 : 8), 1 who were resistant to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics, or 2 who failed with those medicines because of side effects or complications. We performed LCAP, which was carried out once a week for a total of five sessions, with a throughput of about 0.1 L/kg. Before and after LCAP, we evaluated the effect of LCAP therapy.

Result: DAS28 (CRP) score was 5.70+/-1.12 before LCAP, 4.57+/-1.19 (P<0.05) just after the final LCAP and 4.83+/-1.35 (P<0.05) about 4 weeks after LCAP. DAS28 score decreased in all patients after LCAP. No serious adverse events were observed except temporary anemia.

Conclusion: LCAP therapy may be useful and safe for patients with RA resistant to conventional medication. Patients who show good clinical response by LCAP needs to be clarified.