Plasma filtration in patients with Raynaud’s phenomenon

Issue title: Proceedings of the Third European Conference on Clinical Hemorheology. Part III. Baden-Baden, F.R. Germany, 24–27 August 1983. Symposium IV. Rheological Aspects of Plasma Separation and Plasmapheresis

Guest editors: Alfred L. Copley and Holger Schmid-Schönbein

Article type: Research Article

Authors: von Rhede van der Kloot, E.J.H. | Jacobs, M.J.H.M. | Weber, H. | Lemmens, H.A.J.

Affiliations: Dept. of Surgery, University of Limburg, NL-62QO Maastricht

Abstract: Fourteen patients with severe Raynaud’s phenomenon, 7 with primary Raynaud’s phenomenon and 7 with secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon based on progressive systemic sclerosis, were treated with plasma filtration. Haemorheological parameters were determined before and after treatment. Eight patients (6 patients with secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon) responded very well. The frequency of Raynaud’s phenomenon and cold induced attacks were strongly reduced The skin which was tough and tense before filtration became supple and pliable, so that patients could use their extremities more easily. Also their facial expression became livelier. Fingertip ulcerations showed increased healing tendency. Elevated red blood cell aggregation and plasma viscosity were markedly reduced after plasma filtration.

Keywords: Plasmafiltration, Raynaud’s phenomenon, Progressive systemic sclerosis, Haemorheology

DOI: 10.3233/CH-1985-5111

Journal: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 79-84, 1985