title: Plasma exchange in the treatment of acute systemic lupus erythematosus without circulating immune complexes.
abstract: One patient affected by systemic lupus erythematosus with recurrent phlebothrombosis and peripheral neuropathy is described. False positive VDRL test, anticardiolipin antibodies, and high titres of antinuclear antibodies were present. Circulating immune complexes were not found. The effect of plasma exchange on clinical symptoms and on serological abnormalities was rapid and striking.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex / Q000032:analysis; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D002308:Cardiolipins / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D010951:Plasma Exchange; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D001323:Autoantibodies; D002308:Cardiolipins