INTRODUCTION: The elimination of high molecular weight proteins may have a positive influence on disorders of the microcirculation due to an improvement in rheological parameters. We therefore attempted to evaluate the rheological efficacy of membrane differential filtration (MDF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten patients suffering from macular disease underwent MDF. Rheological and biochemical parameters as well as visual acuity were determined one day before and after therapy: The study aimed at a reduction in plasma viscosity, standardized whole blood viscosity at hematocrit 0.45 and erythrocyte aggregation at hematocrit 0.3. RESULTS: Severe side-effects were not observed. The rheological parameters were significantly reduced. In detail the posttreatment values were reduced as compared to the pretreatment values as follows: plasma viscosity 85%, standardised whole blood viscosity 86% (hematocrit 0.45), erythrocyte aggregation 59% (hematocrit 0.3), total protein 81%, IgG 66%, IgA 59%, IgM 33%, alpha-2-macroglobulin 30%, triglycerides 102%, total cholesterol 47%, VLDL cholesterol 94%, LDL cholesterol 33%, HDL cholesterol 62%. Visual acuity was improved in 7/10 patients. CONCLUSIONS: MDF is a safe and highly effective method for lowering biochemical and improving rheological parameters which led to improvement in visual acuity. We have already replaced plasma exchange with MDF in our clinical practice of hemorrheological therapy.
INTRODUCTION: The elimination of high molecular weight proteins may have a positive influence on disorders of the microcirculation due to an improvement in rheological parameters. We therefore attempted to evaluate the rheological efficacy of membrane differential filtration (MDF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten patients suffering from macular disease underwent MDF. Rheological and biochemical parameters as well as visual acuity were determined one day before and after therapy: The study aimed at a reduction in plasma viscosity, standardized whole blood viscosity at hematocrit 0.45 and erythrocyte aggregation at hematocrit 0.3. RESULTS: Severe side-effects were not observed. The rheological parameters were significantly reduced. In detail the posttreatment values were reduced as compared to the pretreatment values as follows: plasma viscosity 85%, standardised whole blood viscosity 86% (hematocrit 0.45), erythrocyte aggregation 59% (hematocrit 0.3), total protein 81%, IgG 66%, IgA 59%, IgM 33%, alpha-2-macroglobulin 30%, triglycerides 102%, total cholesterol 47%, VLDL cholesterol 94%, LDL cholesterol 33%, HDL cholesterol 62%. Visual acuity was improved in 7/10 patients. CONCLUSIONS: MDF is a safe and highly effective method for lowering biochemical and improving rheological parameters which led to improvement in visual acuity. We have already replaced plasma exchange with MDF in our clinical practice of hemorrheological therapy.