Effectiveness of lymphocytapheresis in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis

Immunomodulation by lymphocytapheresis (LCA) was carried out in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who suffered severe pain in joints and back. LCA was performed once a week and 3 x 10 9 lymphocytes were extracted each time. Fifteen courses of LCA were completed. The joint score was gradually decreased and the improvement was maintained 11 months after treatment. The population of NK cells detected by Leu-7 and Leu-11 monoclonal antibodies decreased and HLA-DR positive CD3 cells increased during and after the treatment. The effectiveness of LCA in AS may confirm the participation of immunological mechanisms in the pathogenesis of AS.