Impaired Function of Macrophage Fcγ Receptors in End-Stage Renal Disease

Infection is a frequent complication in patients undergoing hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease and is the primary cause of mortality among such patients. Macrophages are important in host defense against infection largely because their Fc γ receptors recognize antibody-coated bacteria. We therefore studied macrophage Fc γ -receptor function in vivo and in vitro in 56 patients with end-stage renal disease who were on hemodialysis and in 20 healthy volunteers. The clearance of IgG-coated (sensitized) autologous red cells was decreased in 53 patients. The inhibition of clearance in the 56 patients was 52±3 percent at 1 hour, 41±5 percent at 1 1/2 hours, and 29±5 percent at 2 hours (P