Therapeutic apheresis of immune diseases in nephrology department.
OBJECTIVE
The clinical efficacy of therapeutic apheresis is still controversial. We undertook a retrospective review of apheresis treatment to ascertain its safety and efficacy.


METHODS
We reviewed 31 patients (13 male, 18 female). Plasmapheresis was performed on 7 patients with hematologic disorders, 5 patients with neurologic disorders, 6 patients with systemic diseases, and 3 patients with Lyell syndrome. Immunoadsorption onto protein A sepharose was evaluated as rescue therapy in 7 patients. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis was performed on 3 patients.


RESULTS
There were five mortalities due to serious complications of their primary disease. Most complications were mild such as hypotension and hypocalcemia. Two patients who received LDL apheresis had severe anaphylactic reactions. Apheresis was effective in the remaining 24 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The therapeutic apheresis consists of a continuously improving therapeutic method for diseases with high mortality and morbidity, especially in cases with poor outcome by using current medications.
Visvardis
George
G
Department of Nephrology, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Manou
Eleni
E
Griveas
Ioannis
I
Meimaridou
Dafni
D
Mitsopoulos
Efstathios
E
Kyriklidou
Parthena
P
Papadopoulou
Dorothea
D
Ginikopoulou
Evdoxia
E
Rottstein
Lora
L
Sakellariou
George
G
D000328:Adult; D001781:Blood Component Removal / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007154:Immune System Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009398:Nephrology; D010956:Plasmapheresis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016060:Sorption Detoxification; D016896:Treatment Outcome