Correlation between bradykinin concentration and blood pressure during Rheocarna therapy: A single-center case series.

INTRODUCTION

A novel LDL (low-density lipoprotein) apheresis therapeutic option, Rheocarna, has garnered attention as an alternative therapy for chronic limb-threating ischemia (CLTI). Bradykinin-mediated vasodilation is involved in the effects of LDL apheresis and a decrease in blood pressure (BP), but the changes in bradykinin concentration during Rheocarna therapy are unknown.

METHODS

The study involved patients with CLTI treated with Rheocarna at our hospital, from April 2022 to August 2023.

RESULTS

After Rheocarna therapy, skin ulcers improved in 80% of the patients. Circuit coagulation was observed in two patients with high fibrinogen levels. A decrease in BP was observed at approximately the same time when the bradykinin concentration peaked. The peak bradykinin concentration in a patient undergoing hemodialysis at the same time was considerably lower than that in the other patients.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report on the changes in bradykinin concentration under Rheocarna therapy.