Plasmapheresis as a supplementary treatment in pemphigus.

Four cases with pemphigus 3 p. vulgaris and one p. foliaceus were treated with plasmapheresis. The volume of plasma exchange was 500-800 ml once a week for 6 weeks. In one patient the procedure was repeated four times, within 8 months. All patients were treated with prednisone and azathioprine or cyclophosphamide at the same time, but in lower dosages. The results were satisfactory and the remission after the treatment lasted for 11 months to 2 years.

Plasmapheresis in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Plasmapheresis has been used as a supplementary method for the treatment of 11 cases of SLE (7 with lupus nephritis and 4 without renal changes). In 7 cases there was a marked improvement during the plasma exchanges which lasted from 2 months to 3 years of follow up. In one case the direct result was satisfactory but after 3 months there was a severe relapse and the patient died. In 3 cases (two without lupus nephritis) plasmapheresis was without any effect. We believe that plasmapheresis is chiefly indicated in severe cases with high levels of ds-DNA antibody titers.

[Erythrocyte freezing in the presence of hydroxyethyl starch]. / Badania nad zamrazaniem erythrocytów w obecnosci hydroksyetylowanej skrobi

Biochemical properties of erythrocytes frozen in the presence of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) as preserving substance produced in this country were assessed. Erythrocytes were frozen adding HES in 4 different concentrations. The most favourable results were obtained with erythrocytes subjected to the action of HES in 30% and 35% concentrations. The erythrocyte 2,3-DPG level during freezing with 35% HES was within normal limits while it decreased by 10% after defreezing when 30% HES had been used. The ATP concentration in erythrocytes fell by 50% in relation to the initial value. A slight fall of P50 was observed and erythrocyte loss after defreezing did not exceed 10%. The 35% HES solution in a 0.15 mol/l sodium chloride solution was most favourable for freezing erythrocytes in liquid nitrogen. A simple method of preparation of defrozen erythrocytes for transfusion was elaborated.

[Behavior of zinc and magnesium in stored blood]. / Zachowanie sie cynku i magnezu we krwi konserwowanej

An analytical method was elaborated for determination of blood zinc and magnesium based on previously known methods. Blood zinc and magnesium were determined in whole stored blood, plasma and erythrocyte mass. The results obtained by this method were compared with the results of spectrophotometry of atomic absorption (SAA). They showed a rise in the plasma zinc and magnesium levels in blood stored with ACD at +4 degrees -- +6 degrees C. during three weeks.

[Studies of the possibility of preservation of leukocyte concentrates]. / Badania nad mozliwoscia przechowywania koncentratów leukocytarnych.

The authors tried to explain whether granulocytes obtained by sedimentation on dextran can be stored, under what conditions, and for how long time. For this purpose leukocyte concentrated were stored at 4-6 degrees C and 20-24 degrees C for up to 48 hours, and the count and percent proportions of leucocytes, granulocyte viability, their phagocytic index, chemotactic ability and ATP content were determined. The investigations demonstrated a progressing decrease of the biological viability of granulocytes after 24 hours, and a further decrease after 48 hours. Particularly pronounced and early changes were noted in the chemotactic activity and ATP content. A beneficial effect was noted of higher storage temperature (20-24 degrees C) on the maintenance of chemotactic activity. The other parameters were not temperature-dependent. It seems that under such conditions leucocyte concentrates should be transfused preferably immediately after their preparation.

[Effect of stroma-free hemoglobin solution on oxygen consumption in some tissues]. / Wplyw roztworu hemoglobiny pozbawionej zrebu komórkowego na zuzycie tlenu w niketórych tkankach

50 cc of a 6%, oxygenated or non oxygenated stroma-free heamoglobin solution was transfused in rabbits after previous removal of about one third of the circulating blood volume. The experimental investigations were carried out on animals under barbiturate anaesthesia. Oxygen consumption was determined using a Warburg microrespirator. Posthaemorrhagic hypotension developing after bleeding caused a significant increase in oxygen consumption by liver tissue. Transfusion of non oxygenated stroma-free haemoglobin solution caused a further increase of oxygen consumption, while transfusion of oxygenated stroma-free haemoglobin solution slightly decreased oxygen consumption compared to the values observed during the post haemorrhagic hypotension.