Correlation between bradykinin concentration and blood pressure during Rheocarna therapy: A single-center case series.

INTRODUCTION: A novel LDL (low-density lipoprotein) apheresis therapeutic option, Rheocarna, has garnered attention as an alternative therapy for chronic limb-threating ischemia (CLTI). Bradykinin-mediated vasodilation is involved in the effects of LDL apheresis and a decrease in blood pressure (BP), but the changes in bradykinin concentration during Rheocarna therapy are unknown.

METHODS: The study involved patients with CLTI treated with Rheocarna at our hospital, from April 2022 to August 2023.

RESULTS: After Rheocarna therapy, skin ulcers improved in 80% of the patients. Circuit coagulation was observed in two patients with high fibrinogen levels. A decrease in BP was observed at approximately the same time when the bradykinin concentration peaked. The peak bradykinin concentration in a patient undergoing hemodialysis at the same time was considerably lower than that in the other patients.

CONCLUSION: This is the first report on the changes in bradykinin concentration under Rheocarna therapy.