Objective: Plasmapheresis has been used in the management of immune-mediated renal diseases for the last 40 years. The rationale behind this approach is to remove pathogenic immune mediators, such as autoantibodies and immune complexes, from the circulation. In this study, we aimed to evaluate retrospectively the patients treated with plasmapheresis in our clinic.
Material and Method: A total of 27 patients who had been hospitalized and treated in our clinic in the last 10 years were evaluated. Demographic characteristics, biochemical parameters, biopsy results, plasmapheresis complications and survival analyses following treatments were recorded.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 39±18 (17-71) years and the mean number of plasmapheresis sessions was 13.9±8.8 (2-41). Six patients had Goodpasture Syndrome, 5 patients had ANCA (+) small vessel vasculitis, 5 patients had thrombotic microangiopathy, 4 patients had Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, 3 patients had Acute Humoral Rejection, 3 patients had primary crescentic glomerulonephritis and 1 patient had multiple myeloma. One patient died, 9 patients had renal improvement and 12 patients underwent dialysis due to end stage renal disease during the treatment. One patient with renal improvement experienced recurrence, and including this patient, Grade 2-3 renal failure continued in a total of 6 patients.
Conclusion: In conclusion, plasmapheresis should be considered as an adjuvant treatment in some specific groups in Nephrology Clinics. It can prevent progression to end stage renal failure and accelerate renal improvement.
Key words: Acute kidney injury, plasmapheresis, vasculitis
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