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[Therapeutic apheresis for rheumatic diseases]
1Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Juntendo University School of Medicine.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine
|March 14, 2009
Summary
Pharmacotherapy is standard for rheumatic diseases, but resistance and side effects occur. Apheresis offers an alternative by removing pathogenic factors, and combining it with pharmacotherapy may improve treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Nephrology
Context:
- Pharmacotherapy, including corticosteroids, DMARDs, immunosuppressants, and biologics, is the primary treatment for rheumatic diseases.
- Treatment resistance and potential side effects limit pharmacotherapy efficacy.
- Organ damage can preclude the use of certain pharmacotherapies.
Purpose:
- To review the role of apheresis as a treatment modality for rheumatic diseases.
- To explore the synergistic effects of combining apheresis with pharmacotherapy.
- To present an approach for safer and more effective management of rheumatic diseases.
Summary:
- Apheresis is a distinct therapeutic concept that controls disease activity by eliminating pathogenic factors.
- Synchronized therapy combining apheresis and pharmacotherapy may offer enhanced treatment benefits.
- This review details experiences and strategies for managing rheumatic diseases with combined therapies.
Impact:
- Apheresis provides an alternative or adjunctive treatment option for refractory rheumatic diseases.
- Combining apheresis with pharmacotherapy can potentially improve treatment efficacy and safety.
- This integrated approach aims to optimize patient outcomes in rheumatic disease management.
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