Background: Rheopheresis is a selective extracorporal double cascade filtration treatment, which can extract high molecular weight proteins being responsible for hyperviscosity. As the whole blood and plasma viscosity decrease microcirculation improves.
Objective: In this preliminary study we aimed to analyze additional beneficial effects of rheopheresis treatment with changes of pro-inflammantory cytokine levels in diabetic foot syndrome patients.
Methods: Two rheopheresis treatments were performed for 6 patients with diabetic foot ulcer and/or neuropathy on consecutive days. Before and after the treatments whole blood and plasma viscosity, as well as IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha serum levels were determined, and complex angiological and ENG examinations were performed.
Results: Rheopheresis decreased the whole blood and plasma viscosity, and the serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha were markedly reduced. The life quality of the patients improved, the ulcers healed, the pain decreased. Daily dose of analgesics decreased in the follow-up period (6 months). The ENG showed improving amplitude and/or normalizing conduction speed.
Conclusion: Application of rheopheresis in patients with diabetic foot syndrome has a beneficial effect, providing favorable rheological condition, normalizing cytokine profile and reducing the sensorineural symptoms.
Keywords: Rheopheresis; blood viscosity; cytokines; diabetic foot syndrome; plasma viscosity.