Plasma exchanges in the treatment of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis associated with chronic dental infection

A patient is described in whom rapidly progressive, crescentic (in 80% of the glomeruli) glomerulonephritis was associated with chronic dental infection. Eradication of the infection as the sole form of therapy failed to arrest the rapidly advancing renal failure. Institution of plasma exchanges and immunosuppression was accompanied by an abrupt reversal of the renal function and a remission, which until now has lasted for two years.