the use of intravenous heparin and corticosteroids, and possibly plasma exchanges, intravenous immunoglobulin. As a disease associated with high morbidity and mortality, CAPS requires an aggressive multidisciplinary treatment strategy. The following treatments have been used in various combinations: anticoagulation, glucocorticoids, plasma exchange, cyclophosphamide, intravenous immunoglobulins, and anti-platelet agents. Anticoagulation is given to stop the thrombophilic state, and it promotes the clot breakdown, while steroids downregulate the cytokine storm that is thought to be responsible for systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Additional steps may have to be taken to manage circulatory problems, kidney failure, and respiratory distress. Recent investigational treatment therapies include high doses of Rituxan (Rituximab) and eculizumab, which are both humanized monoclonal antibodies that target B cell malignancies and prevent C5 complement cleavage, respectively. References External links Rheumatology Intensive care medicine Syndromes