Haemodialysis and transplantation in Wegener's granulomatosis

Abstract

Two men with Wegener's disease began immunosuppressive treatment during severe renal insufficiency. Despite an initial temporary remission new lesions appeared and renal failure progressed. Haemodialysis was started, cytotoxic drugs were stopped, and steroid dosage was reduced. All extrarenal manifestations of the disease remitted, however, suggesting a favourable effect of either the immunosuppression induced by terminal renal failure or the haemodialysis itself. Renal transplantation was then undertaken in both patients. Thirteen and 55 months after the operations respectively renal function was satisfactory and no signs of reactivation of Wegener's disease had appeared. These results show that whatever the activity of Wegener's disease and its initial response to immunosuppressive agents, dialysis and transplantation are fully warranted once irreversible renal failure is established.