Plasma exchange for rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory joint disease. Even though, physiopathology of rheumatoid arthritis remains unclear, the presence of circulating immune complexes and rheumatoid factors had led to the use of plasma exchange (PE). Even though PE procedures have evolved over the last decades, their indications and use in RA must be replaced in the context of the evolution of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Results of PE and leukapheresis were disappointing in patients with severe and resistant RA. Conversely, immunoadsorption, and particularly over a Staphylococcus aureus protein A column, has resulted in some good responses in refractory RA patients. But, the emergence of effective biologics has clearly restrained their use and limited their indications to some rare patients with refractory and severe RA.

• Authors: Raphaèle Seror, Christian Pagnoux, Loïc Guillevin
• Journal: Transfusion and apheresis science : official journal of the World Apheresis Association : official journal of the European Society for Haemapheresis (Transfus Apher Sci) Vol. 36 Issue 2 Pg. 195-9 (Apr 2007) ISSN: 1473-0502 [Print] England
• PMID: 17499763 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Arthritis, Rheumatoid (therapy)
• Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic
• Humans
• Immunosorbent Techniques
• Leukapheresis
• Plasma Exchange