Changes in clinical and laboratory findings on oxidation metabolism in lymphocyte membranes of rheumatoid arthritis patients on synchronous programmed intensive therapy

: The study of the effects of intensive treatment on activity of free-radical oxidation in lymphocyte membranes was conducted in 15 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with systemic involvement, stage II-III activity who had failed previous basic therapy because of unefficiency or intolerance. The synchroneous programmed intensive therapy was performed in 3 stages. Stage 1: three sessions of plasmapheresis with 3 day intervals, synchronous introduction of 30 mg methotrexate and 500 mg methylprednisolone. Stage 2: the same procedures once a week for the following 3 weeks. Stage 3: a monthly intensive therapy for 3 months. After the end of stage 3 all the patients received methotrexate 7.5 mg weekly per os for 6 months. The above intensive therapy of RA patients had an antiinflammatory effect, changed peroxidation reactions in lymphocyte membranes by lowering the level of pro-oxidants and stimulation of antioxidant system. No positive changes in the lipid status occurred.