Search

Haemodynamics modifications in 49 patients divided in two groups consisting of 21 young people (average age 43 +/- 12 yrs.) and 28 elderly people (average age 72 +/- 7 yrs.) who have undergone at least three treatments with haemofiltration for congestive cardiac decompensation and chronic renal failure have been evaluated. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate have been monitored for each patient in a length of time of iT, T30 min., T60 min., fT. The results show a statistically significant reduction of the systolic pressure during the time interval iT-T30 min. in subjects over 65, contrary to the control group. Such preliminary results can be justified by the haemodynamic modifications correlated to the elderly process. In any case the hypothesis cited by the authors need further testing even if confirming the indication of the dialytic treatment on patients over 65 through haemofiltration techniques.

Thirty-four patients affected by mixed cryoglobulinaemia have been submitted to treatment by apheresis (plasma exchange or double cascade filtration). The authors have monitored clinical, laboratory and, above all, haemorheological changes following therapy. The final results have shown mainly a reduction of plasma viscosity and consequently an improvement of the haemorheology of the affected organs. In conclusion, apheresis may be considered a successful therapy in patients with severe renal or neurological diseases due to mixed cryoglobulinaemia.