Open AccessThe effect of combination therapy (steroids, immunosuppressives, and plasmapheresis) on 5 mixed cryoglobulinemia patients with renal, neurologic, and vascular involvement
Author(s) -
Geltner David,
Kohn Robert W.,
Gorevic Peter,
Franklin Edward C.
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.1780240902
Subject(s) - plasmapheresis , medicine , cryoglobulinemia , prednisone , thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura , leukopenia , peripheral neuropathy , chlorambucil , gastroenterology , white blood cell , surgery , chemotherapy , immunology , cyclophosphamide , diabetes mellitus , platelet , endocrinology , hepatitis c virus , virus , antibody
A prospective clinical study evaluated the effects of combined chemotherapy, steroids, and plasmapheresis on 5 patients with mixed cryoglobulinemia with renal or neurologic and vasculitic manifestations. Treatment included prednisone (1 mg/kg/day), chlorambucil (white blood cell count at > 3,000/mm 3 ), and plasmapheresis (1 to 3 liters/week). There was healing of cutaneous uleers (3/3), improvement in renal function (4/4), and diminution of purpura (2/2), but little improvement in peripheral neuropathy. Complications included leukopenia, perineal ulcers, and osteomyelitis.