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Erosion Identification in Metacarpophalangeal Joints in Rheumatoid Arthritis using High-Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography
Published on: October 6, 2023
Apheresis in rheumatoid arthritis
The International Journal of Artificial Organs
|July 1, 1984
Summary
Plasmapheresis and related treatments were explored for rheumatic diseases. Controlled trials found intensive plasmapheresis ineffective, lymphapheresis had limited value, and lymphoplasmapheresis showed questionable benefits for rheumatoid arthritis.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Rheumatic diseases can involve circulating immune complexes, potentially causing tissue damage.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with immune complexes and T cell involvement in tissue damage.
- Plasmapheresis was introduced to remove immune complexes, aiming to prevent tissue deposition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of plasmapheresis and related apheresis techniques in treating rheumatic diseases.
- To assess the role of immune complex removal in managing rheumatoid arthritis complications like vasculitis.
Main Methods:
- Review of controlled trials investigating plasmapheresis, lymphapheresis, and lymphoplasmapheresis.
- Analysis of treatment outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Main Results:
- Intensive plasmapheresis showed no value in controlled trials for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Lymphapheresis demonstrated limited therapeutic value.
- Lymphoplasmapheresis exhibited possible, though suspect, benefits.
Conclusions:
- Apheresis techniques, including plasmapheresis, lymphapheresis, and lymphoplasmapheresis, have shown limited or questionable efficacy in treating rheumatoid arthritis.
- Further research may be needed to clarify the role, if any, of these procedures in managing specific rheumatic conditions.
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