Magnetic resonance imaging outcomes of double filtration plasmapheresis combined with immunosuppressive agents in patients with high active rheumatoid arthritis / 中华风湿病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) combined with immunosuppressive agents (leflunomide plus methotrexate) on synovitis in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with high active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods Fifty eight patients with RA (disease duration 6 months to 12 years) were randomly divided. Thirty-one were randomized to the treatment group and 27 were randomized to the control group. All patients received leflunomide 10 mg, two times daily; plus methotrexate 15 mg orally once weekly. DFPP was performed in the treatment group once 1-2 weeks for 3-4 sessions. Control patients did not receive DFPP. All patients underwent contrast-enhanced MRI of the right wrist at the baseline and 6 months, 1 month in the treatment group. The signs including synovitis pannus, bone marrow edema and effusion were observed on MRI. The scoring of synovial hypertrophy, pannus, bone marrow edema were measured according to the outcome measures in RA MRI scoring system. Comparisons between groups were performed with paired-samples t test and independent-sample t test. Results The MRI synovitis score, MRI pannus score and MRI bone marrow edema in the treatment group was (1.4±1.6), (0.13± 0.35) and (5±4) respectively,so was significantly lower than that of the control group [respectively for (7.9± 1.3), (2.76±0.43), (16±12),P<0.01]. 53% of the treatment group satisfied both the disease activity score 28-joint assessment and MRI synovitis assessment (no enhancement of synovium or pannus, no effusion), but none in the control group (P<0.01). Significant changes at 1 month was observed in DAS28 and HAQ scores (P<0.01), but not in the MRI synovitis score, MRI pannus score, MRI bone marrow edema score and effusion in the treatment group (P>0.05). Conclusion DFPP combined with immunosuppressive agents can significantly improve synovitis in MRI in patients with high active RA. Improvement of the signs of MRI is later than that in the clinic. So imaging assessment may be necessary for accurate evaluation of disease status and selection of therapy.