Double-filtration plasmapheresis for resolution of corticosteroid resistant adult onset Still's disease

Clin Rheumatol. 2006 Jul;25(4):579-82. doi: 10.1007/s10067-005-0030-3. Epub 2006 Mar 28.

Abstract

A 45-year-old Japanese male was diagnosed with adult onset Still's disease (AOSD). High-dose corticosteroid initially resolved the illness; however, high fever, maculopalpular rashes, arthralgia, and acute pericarditis rapidly recurred, and were followed by a somnolent state without focal signs. A diagnosis of corticosteroid resistant, severe, recurrent AOSD was made, and double-filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) was performed immediately. The somnolent state began to resolve during the first plasmapheresis procedure, and the other symptoms resolved shortly thereafter. DFPP theoretically removes monocyte-activating cytokines, such as monocyte colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) from the circulation, and therefore may prove to be an effective treatment for corticosteroid resistant, rapidly developing cases of AOSD.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / pharmacology
  • Filtration
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Plasmapheresis / methods*
  • Recurrence
  • Remission Induction
  • Still's Disease, Adult-Onset / therapy*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones