title: Haemorrheological response to plasma exchange in Raynaud's syndrome.
abstract: Eight patients with Raynaud's syndrome were treated by weekly plasma exchange for four weeks using a Haemonetics Model 30 Blood Processor. The mean whole-blood viscosity at a shear rate of 0.77/s was significantly lower after treatment, and the mean index of red-cell deformability was significantly improved. In four patients studied serially the mean percentage fall in whole-blood viscosity after a single plasma exchange was 49% at 0.77/s but only 14% at 91/s. All patients noticed symptomatic improvement including healing of ischaemic digital ulcers. In six patients the number of digital arterial segments containing detectable blood flow was measured by directional Doppler; in all six the number increased. It is concluded that plasma exchange is an effective means of haemorrheological treatment and may be beneficial in patients with digital ischaemia.
mesh_terms: D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D001809:Blood Viscosity; D005078:Exchange Transfusion, Whole Blood; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000378:metabolism; D005385:Fingers / Q000098:blood supply; D006801:Humans; D011928:Raynaud Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D005340:Fibrinogen