@article{11596,
  keywords = {Adult, Aged, Erythema Nodosum, Female, Humans, leprosy, Male, Plasma, Plasma Exchange},
  author = {Wallach D and Bussel A and Koch P and Pennec J and Cottenot F},
  title = {Plasma exchange in severe erythema nodosum leprosum.},
  abstract = {<p>Four patients with severe erythema nodosum leprosum were treated by plasma exchange and/or fresh frozen plasma infusions after failure of classical therapy. After the procedures, the patients improved rapidly; with a follow-up between 4 and 7 years after the last plasma exchange, no clinical relapse was noted. The replacement fluids were variable; the most beneficial procedure seemed to be plasma exchange replaced with fresh frozen plasma. Elimination of circulating immune complexes, replacement of a lacking plasma factor are possible mechanisms of action. Plasma exchange may also work like a regulator of immune mechanisms, since it has been shown that there is a depression of suppressor cells in erythema nodosum leprosum.</p>},
  year = {1986},
  journal = {The International journal of artificial organs},
  volume = {9},
  pages = {183-8},
  month = {1986 May},
  issn = {0391-3988},
  language = {eng},
}