Therapeutic immunoadsorption--its role in clinical practice.

Extracorporeal immunoadsorption onto staphylococcal protein A replaces conventional plasmapheresis because its elimination efficiency is higher while less adverse reactions are seen. Experience in immunoadsorption is limited to specialized centers although recent technical developments make the procedure simple and safe to use. During a workshop held in Munich, September 1996, the application of immunoadsorption in various diseases was discussed. Goodpasture's syndrome, acquired autoimmune coagulopathy, HLA-sensitized transplantation and treatment-resistant life-threatening autoimmune diseases were accepted indications for immunoadsorption. Immunoadsorption in other immunoglobuline and immune complex mediated diseases is still under discussion.