[The immediate results of using plasmapheresis in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis]

A study was made of the effect produced by a short-term course of plasmapheresis (PA) combined with cytostatic, glucocorticoid and deaggregation therapy on the clinico-laboratory characteristics in 45 patients suffering from chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN). It has been established that PA rapidly normalizes the characteristics such as the level of circulating immune complexes and fibrinogen in the blood, ESR. Exerting no effect on renal function, PA led to a significant lowering of proteinuria and erythrocyturia, with its beneficial effects being preserved after discontinuation of the sessions. The best results were attained in associated CGN and nephrotic syndrome, in mesangioproliferative and mesangiocapillary CGN. The effectiveness of the short-term course of PA in patients with membranous and diffuse fibroplastic CGN turned out questionable.