Abstract
Continuous cryofiltration (CCF) was performed a total of 821 sessions on 26 rheumatoid arthritis patients. The clinical effectiveness of CCF was defined according to the criteria described by Wallece et al. By these criteria, patients were evaluated as follows: Excellent 9 patients (34.6%), Good 4 patients (15.7%), Fair 7 patients (30.0%), Poor 5 patients (19.2%), Undefined 1 patients (3.8%). 20 out of 26 patients showed clinical improvement. A study of clinical response in relation to the number of treatment of CCF performed showed that favorable responses tended to be observed more than 25 sessions. In the examination of immunological data, no significant differences were observed in the course of CCF treatmentt for all patients. In cases of A-V fistula occlusion, the superficialization of brachial artery is recomended for blood access. We have not a fatal complication in the 821 sessions of CCF therapy. CCF is a safe, inexpensive and effective for the treatment of the rheumatoid arthritis therapy.
