The use of plasmathrombocytapheresis in the combined treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

: One of the possible ways to correct platelet hemostasis in active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is inclusion of plasmathrombocytapheresis (PTCA) into complex therapy. This operation is pathogenically approved in changes of platelet morphofunctional state. To perform PTCA it is possible to use the blood fractionator BF-3.5. PTCA represents the transfusiologic operation consisted of premedication, vascular approach, hemodilution, blood stabilization and the main part of operation. The positive effect during the PTCA use according to our program was achieved in 93 +/- 2% of the cases. PTCA can be considered as the procedure of choice in complex therapy of RA patients with disorders in platelet chain of hemostasis that permits to decrease rapidly the disease activity and to reduce the period of patient hospital treatment.