In this feasibility study, we aim to explore therapeutic Rheopheresis (RheoP) as a novel treatment option for SSc-associated Raynaud's phenomenon and/or digital ulcers and compare it to the standard of care treatment (intravenous iloprost. RheoP has been used for RP/DU with some success in observational studies, nevertheless, the optimal treatment modality, duration, or frequency of RheoP (and PEX in general) in SSc has not been established as of yet.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
30
After obtaining venous access, anticoagulated blood is pumped through a plasmafilter. The plasma is then run through the Rheofilter and large plasma proteins are removed. Finally, cells are reinfused, and blood is returned to the patient.
Standard of care treatment consists of intravenous iloprost infusions at a dose of 0.5-2 ng/kg/min administered over at least 6 hours as per local standard
University Medical Center Göttingen
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
RECRUITINGRaynaud Condition Score (RCS)
changes of the Raynaud Condition after treatment, higher RCS denotes worse clinical findings
Time frame: 24 weeks
Development of new digital ulcers
To assess the number of new digital ulcers with treatment
Time frame: 24 weeks
Time to healing of existing digital ulcers
Time to healing of existing digital ulcers
Time frame: 24 weeks
Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire
Changes in the SHAQ with treatment; higher scores mean better functional status
Time frame: 24 weeks
Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)-Fatigue score
changes in the FACIT-Fatigue score with treatment; higher scores indicate a better clinical status
Time frame: 24 weeks
Quick DASH
changes in the Quick DASH with treatment; lower scores mean better functional status
Time frame: 24 weeks
Nailfold video capillaroscopy changes
changes in in NVC assessments with treatment
Time frame: 24 weeks
Whole blood viscosity
changes in Whole blood viscosity with treatment
Time frame: 24 weeks
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