Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Renal Diseases: A Three-Year Retrospective Analysis

Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze the indications, efficacy, and complications of therapeutic plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) applied for renal diseases in three years retrospectively. Materials and Methods: This study included 47 patients with nephrological disorders (41.5%, 28 men and 19 women). We analyzed data including demographic characteristics, underlying renal disease, and outcomes of the patients as well as the procedural characteristics and safety profile regarding the type and amount of the replacement fluid, number of sessions, and complications. Results: The mean age of the patients was 48 [+ or -] 14.68 years. A total of 251 sessions were performed, and the mean number of sessions per patient was 5.61 [+ or -] 2.79. Nephrological diseases treated with plasmapheresis were rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis in 17 (36.4%) patients, thrombotic microangiopathies in 13 (27.6%) patients, renal transplantation in 9 (19%) patients, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in 4 (8.5%) patients, and multiple myeloma in 4 (8.5%) patients. The most common complications were muscle cramps in 8.5% of patients, minor allergic reactions and pruritus in 6.3% of patients, hypotension in 6.3% of patients, and hematoma in catheter insertion site in 2.1% of patients. Six patients (12.7%) treated with plasmapheresis died because of primary disease. Conclusion: Plasmapheresis has place as a therapeutic modality in nephrology practice with a minor adverse reactions. Keywords: Plasmapheresis, renal diseases, therapeutic apheresis