Leukocytapheresis in rheumatoid arthritis

In this article, we discussed leukocytapheresis (LCAP) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recently, a simple and practical on-line continuous LACP system has been developed. It is equipped with a direct hemoperfusion column (Cellsorba^®, Asahikasei Medical Co., Ltd.) packed with fine-diameter polyester fibers, which are commonly used to adsorb white blood cells to prevent a graft-versus-host reaction during blood transfusion. Clinical trials revealed that LCAP is a effective and safe therapy for patients with drug-resistant RA or RA complicated with vasculitis. Because the procedure is simple and requires no plasma substitutes and the volume needed for extracorporeal circulation is less than that for other plasmapheresis, LCAP might be accepted as an optional therapeutic modality for active RA that was refractory to conventional drug therapy including biological agents. The mechanism of the efficiency of LCAP on RA is unclear. LCAP may cause a reduction of activated T cells from affected joints, down-regulation of Pgp on helper T cells and restoration of Treg function, and that may modify the abnormal cytokine balance. These findings may explain some of the mechanisms by which the articular symptoms are improved by LCAP.