title: Short-term plasmapheresis in acute lupus nephritis.
abstract: This study reports 11 cases with acute lupus nephritis who underwent short-term plasmapheresis treatment combined with immunosuppressive therapy. 68 plasma exchanges (mean/patients: 6.2) were performed by either centrifuge or membrane filter, exchanging 80% of total plasma volume per session. A rapid improvement of clinical symptoms was observed in all cases treated. 5 patients with renal insufficiency at the beginning of treatment, showed a reduction in serum creatinine and proteinuria after plasmapheresis. Immunological investigations demonstrated a rapid decreasing of circulating immune complexes and anti-DNA antibodies and an improvement of lymphocyte function, studied by E rosettes and Con A induced suppressor activity.
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005921:Glomerulonephritis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010956:Plasmapheresis; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents