Effectiveness of β(2)-microglobulin adsorption column in treating dialysis-related amyloidosis: a multicenter study

The aim of this study was to determine whether treatment with β(2)-microglobulin adsorption column (Lixelle) affects bone cysts and clinical symptoms in patients with dialysis-related amyloidosis (DRA). Radiographic changes in the number and area of bone cysts of the wrist and the hip joint were compared between 39 hemodialysis (HD) patients treated with Lixelle (Lixelle group) and 28 HD patients treated with conventional therapy as retrospective control (HD group). Clinical symptoms of DRA were also evaluated. In the Lixelle group, the number of bone cysts and the cystic area in wrist joints were significantly decreased, although the changes in these parameters in hip joints were not significant. In the HD group, the corresponding parameters in the hip joints even significantly increased. Clinical symptoms notably improved after Lixelle treatment. Treatment with Lixelle reduces the radiolucency of bone cysts in the wrist joints, and improves clinical symptoms associated with DRA.