In recent years, plasmapheresis has been performed on patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with favorable symptomatic relief and receiving great attention as a new treatment. In this paper, the results of thermocryo-technique using double filtration system investigated in RA patients were described. Four MRA and three RA patients were approached 25 times in total. Venous blood was drawn and separated by passing through the first filter previously warmed at 37°C into Corpuscles and plasma. The plasma was cooled at 0°C to 4°C and high molecular weight components were removed by the second filter.
As to clinical symptoms, such as morning stiffness, grip power and painful joint score, were improved depending on the frequency of treatment. However, a strong rebound phenomenon occurred in some patients. Serologically, improvement of ESR, RA test, RAHA and decrease of immunoglobulin were observed. Total protein and albumin levels decreased about 1 to 2g/dl after treatment. However, plasma supplements were almost unnecessary and other severe complications were not encountered.
