Reversal of acute vascular rejection by plasma exchange

The vast majority of grafts with acute vascular rejection (AVR) undergo irreversible loss of function, since this type of rejection usually does not respond to increased levels of immunosuppression. Since 1980 we have treated with plasmafiltration (PF) 14 steroid resistant episodes of AVR in 10 patients. In the treatment of each episode 6 X 5 L plasma were filtered and simultaneously replaced with 3.5% albumin-Ringer-lactate solution. After each PF, 20 g immunoglobulins (Intraglobin) were replaced i.v. In all cases following PF renal function improved. One graft was eventually lost as a result of chronic irreversible vascular rejection; all others are still functioning. Eight of the 10 patients have been observed now for at least 6 months since beginning PF treatment and 5 of these 8 have been followed for more than 12 months. None of them shows signs of rejection. PF with replacement of immunoglobulins after treatment appears to be a simple and safe procedure, which in our hands proved to be quite effective in reversing AVR.