RESEARCH - Immunoadsorption with tryptophan columns: a therapeutic option for the treatment of RA with septic complications

[Guest guest]

J Clin Apher. 2009;24(1):37-41.

Immunoadsorption with tryptophan columns: a therapeutic option for the

treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with septic complications.

Thomaidis T, Schorn C, Flaig W, Lingg G, Schönhals E, Klingel R, Galle

PR, Schwarting A.

Sana Rheumatology Centre Bad Kreuznach, Bad Kreuznach, Germany.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease

affecting multiple organs and tissues. Although there is a wide range

of therapeutic applications, the coexistence of severe side effects

and contraindications outlines the necessity of new therapeutic

options in the treatment of severe RA. We report on the case of a

71-year-old patient with successful treatment of a complicated RA with

tryptophan immunoadsorption combined with low-dose steroids. Bacterial

spondylitis developed in this patient during long-term treatment with

infliximab and methotrexate. Weekly immunoadsorption sessions with

tryptophan columns resulted in continuous suppression of RA activity

over a period of more than 5 months, as indicated by laboratory

findings, the disease activity score, and the visual analog scale.

This is the first report of successful treatment of a refractory and

complicated RA using tryptophan immunoadsorption columns. In

conclusion, immunoadsorption is a safe and effective therapeutic

alternative, which should be considered to bridge infectious

complications in patients with severe RA. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

PMID: 19156864

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19156864

Not an MD