Plasma exchange in severe glomerulonephritis--who benefits?

Abstract

Plasma exchange (PE) and immunosuppression was used in the treatment of 17 patients with severe glomerulonephritis and 17 acute rejections in transplant recipients. No response occurred in crescentic nephritis with anuria; a temporary improvement occurred in other nephritis patients but half of these relapsed on immunosuppression alone. Seven rejection episodes responded. Responses always occurred promptly and prolonged PE did not improve the results. Histology, serum complement or immune complex results did not predict a successful outcome.