[Comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of plasmapheresis and lymphocytoplasmapheresis in the combined treatment of rheumatoid arthritis].

The authors compared 2 methods of apheresis: plasmapheresis (PA) and lymphocytoplasmapheresis (LPA) in 24 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Both methods were shown to produce a positive effect on a course of rheumatoid process decreasing clinical and laboratory parameters of its activity, improving articular function. Under LPA influence the production of autoantibodies by B-lymphocytes was significantly lowered. PA and LPA were characterized by a more rapid development of the regression of RA symptoms as compared to drug therapy and by a good tolerance of the procedures. On the basis of the results obtained a preliminary conclusion has been made of the greater efficacy of LPA as compared to that of PA. However, the assessment of long-term therapeutic results is required to consider the probable LPA influence on cellular immunity.