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Plasma exchange in two patients with rheumatoid vasculitis
Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology
|January 1, 1982
Summary
Plasma exchange effectively treated rheumatoid arthritis complications like vasculitis and nerve damage. This therapy improved circulation and showed lasting benefits for patients over two years.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can lead to severe complications including necrotic vasculitis and mononeuritis multiplex.
- Standard treatments may not always resolve these complex manifestations.
Observation:
- Two patients with severe RA complications underwent plasma exchange therapy.
- The treatment was administered alongside low-dose corticosteroids and cytostatic agents.
Findings:
- Immediate improvements in peripheral circulation were noted in both patients.
- Necrotic lesions healed, and nerve function was restored.
- Plasma exchange led to a reduction in plasma viscosity, correlating with circulatory improvements.
- Patients maintained benefits with intermittent plasma exchange every 3-4 months for two years.
Implications:
- Plasma exchange is a viable therapeutic option for refractory RA-associated vasculitis and neuropathy.
- This approach offers sustained improvement and disease management in complex RA cases.
- Further research into the immunomodulatory mechanisms of plasma exchange in RA is warranted.