Nephrotic syndrome and plasmapheresis.

Abstract

We studied 15 patients suffering from nephrotic syndrome (NS) in bioptically-accertained primary and secondary glomerulopathies responding poorly to the common pharmacological treatment. They were monitored for one year by assessing their immunological and kidney functionality parameters, especially proteinuria. The patients underwent 3 apheretic sittings using the cascade double-filtration technique. After the third apheretic sitting the patients received metilprednisolone 300 mg/m2. This therapy was repeated every month for 6 months. At the end of the apheretic cycle it was shown that all patients had responded well to the therapy with a dramatic decrease in proteinuria, maintenance and/or recuperation of kidney functionality and improvement of lipidic asset; these data remained unchanged over time. Considering our preliminary results, we believe that therapeutic apheresis has a precise function in refractory nephrotic syndrome and, in particular, we propose the use of the cascade double-filtration technique.

• Authors: G E Russo, M Bonello, B Bauco, M Bosco, M Tedaldi, M F Bisciglia, E Vitaliano, R Russo, A DePaola
• Journal: The International journal of artificial organs (Int J Artif Organs) Vol. 23 Issue 2 Pg. 111-3 (Feb 2000) ISSN: 0391-3988 [Print] United States
• PMID: 10741806 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Glucocorticoids
• Methylprednisolone

Topics

• Adult
• Female
• Glomerulonephritis (complications)
• Glucocorticoids (administration & dosage)
• Humans
• Male
• Methylprednisolone (administration & dosage)
• Nephrotic Syndrome (etiology, therapy)
• Plasmapheresis
• Treatment Outcome