Short-term plasmapheresis in acute lupus nephritis.

This study reports 11 cases with acute lupus nephritis who underwent short-term plasmapheresis treatment combined with immunosuppressive therapy. 68 plasma exchanges (mean/patients: 6.2) were performed by either centrifuge or membrane filter, exchanging 80% of total plasma volume per session. A rapid improvement of clinical symptoms was observed in all cases treated. 5 patients with renal insufficiency at the beginning of treatment, showed a reduction in serum creatinine and proteinuria after plasmapheresis. Immunological investigations demonstrated a rapid decreasing of circulating immune complexes and anti-DNA antibodies and an improvement of lymphocyte function, studied by E rosettes and Con A induced suppressor activity.