RESUMO
Twenty patients with systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE], who did respond to conventional therapy for a long time were treated with short time therapeutic plasmapheresis [TPP] and immunosuppression. There was marked and dramatic clinical improvement including pericardial and pleural effusion in all patients with SEL after TPP. Also, there was significant reduction in the ESR and the level of antibodies on the RBCs in all patients after TPP compared with that before the procedures. Five patients with SLE had lupus nephritis and nephrotic syndrome with mild impairment in renal functions, all patients had rapid and distinct improvement in clinical and laboratory parameters after TPP. The procedure is very effective in treatment of patients with SLE, so it is recommended to use it beside the drug therapy. TPP is easy and safe. Any side effects or complications among the patients were not reported during the procedures