Immunoadsorption for the treatment of bullous pemphigoid.

We treated 2 intractable patients with pemphigoid by absorbent plasmapheresis using dextran sulfate conjugated cellulose columns with an automated regenerating unit. During a 2 week period, this plasmapheresis was performed 4 to 6 times for Cases 1 and 2, respectively. Clinical findings including skin eruptions were remarkably improved, and the titers of antibasement membrane zone antibodies were decreased after the treatment of 1.8 to 4.2 L of plasma. These results suggest that the absorbent column is effective for intractable pemphigoid.