title: Plasmapheresis in a patient with "refractory" urticarial vasculitis.
abstract: Immune complexes are found in the circulation of 30%-75% of patients with urticarial vasculitis and much evidence supports the role of these immune complexes in the pathogenesis of urticarial vasculitis. Plasmapheresis is effective for removing these immune complexes; however, there are few reports on the use of plasmapheresis in the treatment of urticarial vasculitis. We describe a case of "refractory" urticarial vasculitis in which the symptoms improved after plasmapheresis treatment. We suggest that plasmapheresis be considered as an option in patients with severe or treatment-resistant urticarial vasculitis.
authors: Division of Immunology and Allergic Diseases, Gülhane Military Medical Academy and Medical School, Ankara, Turkey.
authors: Ozgur
authors: O
authors: Kartal
authors: Mustafa
authors: M
authors: Gulec
authors: Zafer
authors: Z
authors: Caliskaner
authors: Oral
authors: O
authors: Nevruz
authors: Turker
authors: T
authors: Cetin
authors: Osman
authors: O
authors: Sener