Clinical trials of immunoadsorbent in systemic lupus erythematosus therapy

Five patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were perfused through an extracorporeal shunt filled with DNA-immunoadsorbent (DNA immobilized on carbonized resin beads). High concentrations of anti-DNA antibodies (36.4-67.0%) (binding percentage with 125I-DNA) in the serum of SLE patients were reduced to 13.8-53.0%, respectively. The highest removal percentage was 62.1%. Although the decline levels varied, the symptoms of patients, i.e., long-term severe joint pain, severe edema, hydropericardium, and ascites were all relieved considerably. The immunoadsorbent showed satisfactory blood compatibility.