Plasma exchange in rheumatoid vasculitis.

Abstract

Vasculitis is an uncommon, extremely debilitating complication of severe, chronic rheumatoid arthritis. High levels of circulating immune complexes along with vascular deposition of immunoglobulins and complement indicate an immune complex mediated disease. No pharmacologic therapy has been completely effective and the incidence of mortality is exceptionally high. This study shows clinical improvement with combination of plasma exchange and cytoxan therapy. We report an association in the conspicuous decline of immune complexes with objective clinical remission in 2 patients who underwent combination therapy. This adjunctive combination therapeutic modality is recommended in the treatment of rheumatoid vasculitis.

• Authors: D B Brubaker, A Winkelstein
• Journal: Vox sanguinis (Vox Sang) 1981 Nov-Dec Vol. 41 Issue 5-6 Pg. 295-301 ISSN: 0042-9007 [Print] England
• PMID: 6976658 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antigen-Antibody Complex
• Complement C1q
• Cyclophosphamide
• Complement Activating Enzymes

Topics

• Aged
• Antigen-Antibody Complex
• Arthritis, Rheumatoid (complications, drug therapy, therapy)
• Chronic Disease
• Complement Activating Enzymes
• Complement C1q
• Cyclophosphamide (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Plasma Exchange
• Vasculitis (complications, drug therapy, therapy)