Title of article :
Successful Use of Plasma Exchange in the Treatment of Corticosteroid-Refractory Eosinophilic Granulomatosis withPolyangiitis Associated with Gastrointestinal Manifestations
Author/Authors :
Fujita, Masaaki Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology - Kitano Hospital - The Tazuke Kofukai Medical Research Institute - Osaka , Japan , Tsujimoto, Kohei Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology - Kitano Hospital - The Tazuke Kofukai Medical Research Institute - Osaka , Japan , Yagita, Masato Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology - Kitano Hospital - The Tazuke Kofukai Medical Research Institute - Osaka , Japan , Taniguchi, Masashi Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology - Kitano Hospital - The Tazuke Kofukai Medical Research Institute - Osaka , Japan
Abstract :
We describe the case of a 33-year-old woman having corticosteroid-refractory eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis(EGPA) who presented with abdominal pain and responded dramatically to plasma exchange. Eosinophilia, asthma history,neuropathy, pulmonary infiltrates, and paranasal sinus abnormalities confirmed the diagnosis of EGPA. Treatment was initiatedwith 1 g/day of methylprednisolone pulse therapy for 3 days followed by 60 mg/day of intravenous prednisolone withoutrelieving abdominal pain. Then, plasma exchange was performed thrice. Abdominal pain disappeared after the first plasmaexchange. Indication of plasma exchange for EGPA remains controversial; however, it may represent a valid option in cases withgastrointestinal involvement.
Keywords :
Successful Use , Plasma Exchange , Treatment , Corticosteroid-Refractory Eosinophilic Granulomatosis , Polyangiitis Associated , Gastrointestinal Manifestations , EGPA , Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA)
Journal title :
Case Reports in Immunology
