EXTRACORPOREAL-CIRCULATION METHODS IN THE TREATMENT OF NONSPECIFIC AORTIC ARTERITIS

Aim. Development of a protocol of multiple-modality treatment of patie nts with nonspecific aortoarteritis (NAA) making use of plasmapheresis and specific plasma adsorption of proteinases. Materials and Methods. Six patients with NAA aged 15 to 58 years were examined using ultraso nic dopplerography, magnetic imaging, and angiography of the large ves sels. Red cell sedimentation rate was assessed, cathepsin G activity, antitryptic activity, and content of C-reactive protein in the blood m easured. Drug therapy was supplemented by repeated sessions of plasmap heresis and specific plasma adsorption on immotin. Results. After sess ions of plasmapheresis (n = 17) and plasma adsorption (n = 13), increa sed cathepsin G activity dropped by at least 30% (in 3 patients it nor malized), the content of C-reactive protein decreased in the presence of normal antitryptic activity (in patients with decreased activity it normalized and in those with increased values a tendency to normaliza tion was observed). Red cell sedimentation rate decreased, particularl y so 1 and 2 months after treatment; the patients felt better. Conclus ion. Multiple-modality treatment of NAA patients making use of plasmap heresis and plasma adsorption decreases the activity of the inflammato ry process.