title: Cryogel studies for the optimization of cryofiltration (CF) therapy.
abstract: This study has shown that cryofilter plugging correlates with pretreatment pathologic macromolecule concentrations (e.g. rheumatoid factor and immune complexes) in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Pathologic macromolecules are concentrated relative to albumin in the cryogel. Molecular aggregation in the cryogel depends upon heparin concentration, exhibiting maximum aggregation in a specific range of heparin concentrations. Molecular aggregation in cryogel increases with decreasing temperature. In the use of cryofiltration in over 50 rheumatoid arthritis patients, clinical improvement has accompanied the removal of cryogel and the pathologic macromolecules it contains. Filter plugging or cryogel formation may be indicators of disease activity. Formation of cryogel is variable depending upon type of disease, severity of disease, temperature, heparin concentration, and membrane structure. These factors are important parameters to consider to optimize conditions for removal of cryogel and for continuing improvement of plasma therapeutic techniques for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000628:therapy*; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002850:Chromatography, Gel; D003080:Cold Temperature; D005112:Extracorporeal Circulation; D006493:Heparin; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000302:isolation & purification; D010951:Plasma Exchange; D013696:Temperature; D014462:Ultrafiltration
chemical_list: D001798:Blood Proteins; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D006493:Heparin