The estimation of circulating immune complexes, C3d, and anti-ds-DNA-antibody serum levels in the monitoring of therapeutic plasmapheresis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus. A case report.

A short-time monitoring of therapeutic plasmapheresis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by the estimation of circulating immune complexes, C3d serum levels and anti-ds-DNA-antibodies is described. It was found that serum immune complexes, C3d, and anti-DNA-antibodies decreased even further shortly after plasma exchange. The decrease found in C1q binding material in the patient's serum was paralleled by a decrease in serum immune complexes containing acridine orange binding material, possibly representing ds-DNA. A rapid increase of serum immune complexes, C3d, and anti-ds-DNA-antibodies after plasma exchange therapy indicated an antibody rebound phenomenon followed by a relapse of the disease.