Plasma exchange: a controlled study of the effect in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon and scleroderma.

Six female patients with stage I and II vascular scleroderma and Raynaud's phenomenon were treated with plasma exchange and placebo plasma exchange. Placebo exchange consisted of the return of the patient's own separated plasma. No consistent long-term objective improvement was demonstrated in patients treated with either plasma exchange or placebo plasma exchange. Immediate increases in pulse volume, digital blood pressure, and skin temperature occurred in some patients with both procedures. Mechanisms of change remain unexplained, and further study is warranted.