Plasma exchange in two patients with rheumatoid vasculitis.

Plasma exchange was performed in 2 patients with classical rheumatoid arthritis, complicated in one case by necrotic vasculitis, and in the other by mononeuritis multiplex. Immediate improvement in the peripheral circulation was observed in both patients with subsequent healing of necroses and nerve function, respectively. The treatment was combined with low doses of corticosteroids and cytostatic agents. After 2 years, both patients were still receiving intermittent plasma exchanges, performed at 3-4 month intervals. A correlation between immediate circulatory improvement and lowered plasma viscosity by the plasma exchange was indicated.