Strategies for ABO-incompatible liver transplantation / 器官移植

With rapid development of organ transplantation, the issue of global organ shortage has become increasingly prominent. At present, liver transplantation is the most effective treatment for end-stage liver disease. Nevertheless, the shortage of donors has been a key problem restricting the development of liver transplantation. China is a country with a larger number of hepatitis B, and the shortage of donor liver is particularly significant. Many critically ill patients often lose the best opportunity or even die because they cannot obtain a matched donor liver in time. As a strategy to expand the donor pool, ABO-incompatible (ABOi) liver transplantation offers new options for patients who are waiting for matched donors. However, ABOi liver transplantation is highly controversial due to higher risk of complications, such as severe infection, antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), biliary complications, thrombotic microangiopathy, and acute kidney injury, etc. In this article, research progress in preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative strategies of ABOi liver transplantation was reviewed, aiming to provide reference for clinical application and research of ABOi liver transplantation.

Application of local sodium citrate anticoagulation in the initial speed of plasma exchange therapy / 重庆医学

Objective To study the initial pumping speed of sodium citrate in single plasma exchange with regional citrate anticoagulation(RAC).Methods From January to December 2021,15 patients and 67 times of treatment with local sodium citrate anticoagulation single plasma exchange in the hospital were in-cluded in the study.According to the initial pumping speed of sodium citrate,they were included in the low-speed group(n=33)and the high-speed group(n=34).The transmembrane pressure,filter pressure drop and venous pressure were compared between the two groups at 30 minutes,one hour and two hours after treatment.The free calcium concentration after plasma separator at 15 minutes and one hour after treatment,and the coagulation of plasma separator and extracorporeal circulation pipeline at the end of treatment were compared between the two groups.The concentration of free calcium,blood gas analysis and electrolyte were compared at the beginning of treatment,one hour after treatment and at the end of treatment.Results The free calcium concentration after the filter was monitored at 15 minutes and one hour of treatment in both groups was within the effective range of anticoagulation recommended by the guidelines.There were no lips,fingertip numbness and hand-foot convulsions in the two groups during the treatment,and no bleeding oc-curred after the treatment.There were four cases of hypocalcemia and two cases of alkalosis in the low-speed group,and 13 cases of hypocalcemia and eight cases of alkalosis in the high-speed group.The difference be-tween the two groups was statistically significant(P＜0.05).There were 15 cases of grade Ⅰ coagulation and five cases of grade Ⅱ coagulation in plasma separator and pipeline in the low-speed group,while there were 14 cases of grade Ⅰ coagulation and four cases of grade Ⅱ coagulation in plasma separator and pipeline in the high-speed group.There was no significant difference between the two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion In plasma exchange treatment,according to the low initial pumping speed,RAC can not only ensure the anticoagulant effect,but also reduce the incidence of complications such as hypocalcemia and alkalosis.

Clinical evolution and atypical spinal cord MRI features of myelitis post severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection / 临床神经病学杂志

Objective To analyze the clinical evolution and atypical spinal cord MRI features of myelitis post severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection.Methods Four patients with myelitis post the SARS-CoV-2 infection were retrospectively analyzed regarding the clinical manifestations,the dynamic changes of the spinal cord MRI and the treatment outcomes.Results The time latencies from SARS-CoV-2 infection to the onset of myelitis of the 4 patients were 5 d,15 d,80 d,and 30 d,respectively.The onset symptoms were numbness and weakness of lower limbs in 3 patients,and back pain with weakness of lower limbs in 1 patient.The peak symptoms included paraplegia,sphincter dysfunction,sensory plane and spastic gait.The expanded disability status score(EDSS)of the 4 patients were 7.5,9.0,9.0 and 7.5,respectively.Initial spinal cord MRI showed normal in 1 case,linear meningeal enhancement in 1 case,and punctate T2 signal changes in 2 cases.Spinal cord MRI at the peak of the symptoms showed patchy,linear and cloudy-like high signals on sagittal T2,which mainly distributed in lateral and posterior cords on axial T2.The prominent features of the MRI findings were the linear meningeal enhancement that appeared in all 4 cases during the disease and their mismatch with the severity of clinical symptoms.Two of the four patients received pulse methylprednisolone combined with plasma exchange therapy and did not show significant improvement,and all 4 patients were left with significant disability.Conclusions Myelitis post SARS-CoV-2 infection usually presents typical symptoms of myelitis,while the spinal cord MRI presents patchy,linear and cloudy-like high signals,with linear meningeal enhancement.The delayed and atypical spinal cord MRI findings need additional attention.

Clinical manifestations of nodo-paranodopathy with anti-neurofascin 186 antibody positive(report of one case) / 临床神经病学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical manifestations of nodo-paranodopathy(NPP)with anti-neurofascin 186(NF186)antibody positive.Methods The clinical data of a NPP patient with cranial nerve damage caused by anti-NF186 antibody positive was retrospectively analyzed.Results The patient was a 70-year-old male with sudden speech disorder and dysphagia one month ago.Glucocorticoid therapy was discontinued after improvement.The patient's speech,swallowing,chewing,bristling,turning and head-up movements were laborious and progressively aggravated 5 days ago.The EMG examination of the limbs was normal,and the serum and CSF anti-NF186 antibody were positive.The curative effect of glucocorticoid treatment was not obvious,and the symptoms were significantly improved after plasma exchange treatment.Conclusions Anti-NF186 antibody-positive NPP has late onset age,severe illness and accompanied with cranial nerves damage.Conventional hormone therapy is not effective,but plasma exchange therapy is effective.

Impact of therapeutic plasma exchange intervention timing and liver injury periodization on the prognosis of patients with exertional heat stroke / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To explore the prognostic impact and clinical application value of therapeutic plasma exchange(TPE) intervention timing and liver injury periodization in patients with exertional heat stroke(EHS). 【Methods】 Data of 127 EHS patients from the First Medical Center of the General Hospital of the People′s Liberation Army from January 2011 to December 2023 were collected, then divided into the death group and the survival group based on therapeutic outcomes and into 5 stages according to the dynamic changes of ALT, AST, TBIL and DBIL. According to propensity score matching analysis, 11 patients in the survival group and 12 patients in the death group were included in the statistical analysis, and 20 of them were treated with TPE. The changes in indicators and clinical outcomes before and after TPE were observed, in order to evaluate the impact of intervention timing on prognosis. 【Results】 Among the 23 patients, 14 had no liver injury or could progress to the repair phase, resulting in 3 deaths(with the mortality rate of 21.43%), while 9 patients failed to progress to the repair phase, resulting in 9 deaths(with the mortality rate of 100%), with significant differences(P<0.05). The mortality rate of the first TPE intervention before the third stage of liver injury was 23.08%(3/13), while that of intervention after reaching or exceeding the third stage was 85.71%(6/7), and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 TPE should be executed actively in EHS patients combined with liver injury before the third phase to lock its pathological and physiological processes, thereby improving prognosis and reducing mortality.

Preoperative therapeutic plasma exchange to prevent acute rejection after ABO incompatible renal transplantation: a retrospective analysis / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the clinical efficacy of preoperative therapeutic plasma exchange(TPE) in preventing acute rejection after ABO incompatible kidney transplantation(ABOi-KT). 【Methods】 Nine patients with ABOi-KT who were admitted to the renal transplant department of our hospital from April 2022 to April 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. They received a total of 28 TPEs before kidney transplantation, and the treatment plan was summarized as follows: The proportion of the substitute fluid, as well as the frequency and volume of TPE were determined based on the patient′s ABO blood group system antibody titer, gender, height, weight, hematocrit and other indicators upon admission. The patient′s relevant laboratory indicators, including hemoglobin, platelets, leukocytes, coagulation function, total protein, albumin, globulin, A/G, creatinine and urea nitrogen upon admission and after TPE were monitored and statistically analyzed. After transplantation, changes in renal function indicators such as ABO blood group system antibody titers, creatinine and urinary excretion were observed, and clinical symptoms of acute rejection, such as swelling, pain and edema in the transplanted kidney area were observed. 【Results】 Nine ABOi-KT patients had an average of about 3 TPEs before transplantation surgery, with an average total volume of approximately 2 500 mL to 3 500 mL per TPE, or approximately about 1.01 to 1.16 plasma volume (PV). After multiple TPEs, pre-transplantation antibody titers decreased by an average of 3 times compared to before TPE. There were no statistically significant differences in Hb, PLT, PT, PTA, INR, TBil, ALB, Cr and BUN (P>0.05), while statistically significant differences were found in WBC, APTT, Fbg, TP, GLB and A/G (P<0.05). After surgery, the creatinine level of 9 patients dropped to approximately 100 to 140 μmol/L, the urine output was normal, and the urine protein dropped to weakly positive or negative values. None of the nine patients experienced acute rejection. 【Conclusion】 TPE can effectively reduce the level of ABO blood group antibody and prevent the occurrence of acute rejection in ABOi-KT patients.

Efficacy of three plasma exchange methods in improving renal insufficiency after kidney transplantation and the induction of plasma exchange related adverse reactions: a comparative study / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To compare the efficacy of double filtration plasmapheresis(DFPP), centrifugal therapeutic plasma exchange(cTPE) and centrifugation-filtration plasmapheresis(CFPP) in improving renal insufficiency after kidney transplantation, as well as the differences in inducing plasma exchange-related adverse reactions. 【Methods】 Clinical data from 46 patients who underwent plasma exchange after renal transplantation in our hospital were retrospectively collected, and patiens were divided into DFPP group(n=33), cTPE group(n=7) and CFPP group(n=6). Changes in peripheral blood creatinine, albumin, hemoglobin, platelets, fibrinogen levels and urine volume before and after TPE were compared and analyzed among the three groups. 【Results】 Among the DFPP group, cTPE group and CFPP group, the creatinine after TPE decreased by (31.40±25.38)%, (58.91±19.75)% and (39.44±28.64)%, respectively, with cTPE group significantly higher than the DFPP group(P0.05); the urine volume after TPE increased by (49.33±30.03)%, (54.62±39.32)% and (68.89±23.00)%, showing no significant differences(P>0.05); the hemoglobin after TPE decreased by (11.97±5.94)%, (20.17±5.75)% and (9.65±8.75)%, respectively, with the cTPE group significantly higher than the DFPP group and CFPP group(P0.05). The platelet count after TPE decreased by (37.88±18.39)%, (24.56±12.36)% and (21.40±12.51)%, respectively, with no significant differences between the three groups(P>0.05); the fibrinogen after TPE decreased by (0.57±0.20)%, (0.14±0.06)% and (0.26±0.22)%, respectively, with the DFPP group significantly higher than the cTPE group(P0.05); the albumin after TPE decreased by (11.41±5.97)%, (14.67±6.52)% and (25.18±5.10)%, respectively, with cTPE group and DFPP group significantly lower than the CFPP group(P0.05). 【Conclusion】 The effect of three plasma exchange methods varies on renal function, anemia and coagulation function of patients after kidney transplantation. It is necessary to consider the the patient’s disease characteristics and treatment needs, as well as the laboratory′s technical conditions and plasma supply when selecting TPE methods.

Risk factors of allergic reactions caused by therapeutic plasma exchange: a single-center analysis / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To review the occurrence of allergic reactions during therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and to explore the risk factors of TPE allergic reactions. 【Methods】 The clinical data of 929 patients treated with TPE using plasma components by the Department of Transfusion Medicine in our medical center from 2018 to 2023 were collected. The influencing factors of allergic reactions were analyzed by univariate analysis, and the independent risk factors of allergic reactions were analyzed by logistic multivariate regression analysis. 【Results】 A total of 4 071 TPEs were performed in 929 patients.Among them, 198 patients (21.31%) experienced 349 times (8.57%) of allergic reactions, with the incidence of grade Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ allergic reactions of 16.33%, 81.38% and 2.29%, respectively, and no deaths. The univariate analysis showed that the patient′s age, allergy history, diagnosis of immune-related diseases, ICU admission, plasma consumption, total blood volume, maximum blood flow rate and combined use of albumin were related to the occurrence of allergic reactions (P<0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that young patients, a history of allergy, immune-related diseases and non-ICU patients were prone to allergic reactions in TPE, but the treatment options of TPE such as substitute fluid category, plasma consumption and blood flow rate were not related to the occurrence of allergic reactions. 【Conclusion】 There are significant individual differences in the occurrence of allergic reactions for TPE, and young age, history of allergies, immune-related diseases and non-ICU patients are risk factors for allergic reactions in TPE. Identifying patients with risk factors before TPE treatment and giving corresponding preventive measures can reduce the incidence of allergic reactions.

Changes in perioperative blood group antibody of 33 type-A/B recipients in ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To statistically analyze the perioperative results of patients with ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation (ABOi-KT), in order to explore the changes in blood group antibody of type-A/B recipients. 【Methods】 A total of 33 cases of blood group A/B ABOi-KT recipients in our hospital from January 2021 to October 2023 were recruited and divided into two groups of group A(n=18) and group B(n=15) according to the different blood types of recipient. The effects of preoperative plasmapheresis on antibody titer, antibody rebound and renal function after operation(serum urea nitrogen, creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate on the 1st, 3rd, 7th and 14th day) were analyzed between the two groups. According to the postoperative rebound of blood type antibodies, 33 recipients were divided into antibody rebound group(n=7) and non rebound group(n=26), and the differences in initial blood type antibody titers between the two groups were analyzed. 【Results】 There was no significant difference in the clearance rate of IgM with preoperative plasma exchange between the two groups (Z=-0.26, P>0.05); Levels of serum urea nitrogen and creatinine on the 1st, 3rd, 7th and 14th day after operation between group A and group B were not statistically significant(P>0.05), the same as eGFR. Group B was more prone to rebound antibody compared with group A (P0.05) between the two groups was found. 【Conclusion】 The patients type B receiving type AB kidney donors are more prone to rebound antibody after ABOi-KT operation compared to the the patients type A receiving type AB.

Clinical transfusion consultation investigation and typical case analysis / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To analyze the characteristics of blood transfusion consultation cases and establish the consultation route, so as to provide reference for blood transfusion doctors to participate in blood transfusion consultation practice. 【Methods】 The cases involved in clinical transfusion consultation in the blood transfusion department of our hospital from 2020 to 2023 were collected from the hospital information system (HIS), and then classified by department and consultation type to summarize the main points of transfusion consultation, formulate transfusion consultation routes, and conduct typical cases analysis. 【Results】 There were 315 clinical transfusion consultations from 2020 to 2023, with an increasing trend year by year (26 in 2020, 67 in 2021, 81 in 2022, 141 in 2023). The consultations involved 24 departments, including cardiovascular medicine 14.0%(44/315), orthopedics 12.7%(40/315), intensive care medicine 8.9%(28/315), general medicine 8.3%(28/315), cardiopulmonary disease 6.0%(19/315), etc. There were 8 categories of consultations, including 35.6%(112/315) autologous ozonized blood transfusion, 23.8%(75/315) plasma exchange, 14.9%(47/315) perioperative mass blood preparation (transfusion), 11.4%(36/315) platelet- rich plasma therapy and 6.3%(20/315) autologous blood collection, etc. The clinical blood transfusion consultation route was formulated according to the consultation points. Six patients with various diseases were treated by blood transfusion department. With effective treatment measures taken, all of them improved and were discharged. 【Conclusion】 The summary of key points of clinical blood transfusion consultation and formulation of the blood transfusion consultation route by department of blood transfusion are conducive to the implementation of blood transfusion consultation and guarantee the safety of patients.

Clinical efficacy of double plasma molecular absorption system and sequential plasma exchange combined with continuous renal replacement therapy in treatment of acute-on-chronic liver failure with acute kidney injury / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy of double plasma molecular adsorption system （DPMAS） and sequential plasma exchange （PE） combined with continuous renal replacement therapy （CRRT） in the treatment of patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure （ACLF） and acute kidney injury （AKI）. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 90 patients with ACLF and AKI who were hospitalized in The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from January 2019 to December 2022， and according to the method for blood purification， they were divided into DPMAS sequential PE+CRRT group （observation group with 31 patients） and DPMAS sequential PE group （control group with 59 patients）. General data on admission and laboratory markers before and after blood purification were collected from all patients， including hepatic and renal function， coagulation function， and inflammation markers， and estimated glomerular filtration rate （eGFR） and MELD combined with serum sodium concentration （MELD-Na） score were calculated. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups； the Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data within each group before and after treatment， and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison between two groups； the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. ResultsThe observation group had a significantly higher response rate than the control group ［48.4% （15/31） vs 27.1% （16/59）， χ2=4.071， P=0.044］. The methods for blood purification in both groups could effectively improve total bilirubin， alanine aminotransferase， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， prothrombin time activity， serum creatinine （Scr）， procalcitonin （PCT）， C-reactive protein， eGFR， and MELD-Na score （all P<0.05）， and both groups had significant reductions in platelet count （PLT） and hemoglobin （Hb） after treatment （all P<0.05）， while there were no significant changes in blood urea nitrogen， albumin， and international normalized ratio after treatment （all P>0.05）. There were significant differences between the two groups in the changes in AST， Scr， PCT， eGFR， MELD-Na score， Hb， and PLT after treatment （all P<0.05）. ConclusionDPMAS sequential PE combined with CRRT can effectively remove inflammatory mediators， improve renal function， stabilize the internal environment of human body， and achieve a relatively good clinical efficacy.

Efficacy of plasma exchange in the treatment of renal injury associated with autoimmune diseases / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effectiveness and safety of plasma exchange for thrombotic microangiopathy and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, which require renal replacement therapy.Methods:This is a retrospective study. The clinical data of four patients who underwent plasma exchange at the Blood Purification Center, North Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, from June 2021 to February 2022 were collected and analyzed. The records included a total of 19 treatments performed, including 15 treatments with a single plasma exchange regimen used in 3 patients and 4 treatments with double filtration plasmapheresis used in 1 patient. Changes in condition before and after treatment, as well as corresponding biochemical test results, were recorded.Results:In four patients, clinical symptoms and biochemical indicators improved. Three patients required maintenance hemodialysis, while one patient showed remarkable clinical efficacy. After treatment, hemoglobin level increased from 76 g/L to 83 g/L, blood creatinine level decreased from 703.6 μmol/L to 526.2 μmol/L, anti-SM antibody decreased from > 400 RU/mL to < 2 RU/mL, anti-myeloperoxidase antibody decreased from 255.49 RU/mL to 15.64 RU/mL, and perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody turned negative. During treatment, there were two cases of allergic reactions, which were significantly alleviated after treatment.Conclusion:Plasma exchange is safe and effective against thrombotic microangiopathy and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis, which require renal replacement therapy.

Double plasma molecular adsorption system and sequential half-dose plasma exchange improves short-term prognosis of patients with hepatitis B associated acute-on-chronic liver failure / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the effect of double plasma molecular adsorption system and sequential half-dose plasma exchange (DPMAS+HPE) on the short-term survival rate of patients with hepatitis B associated acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF). 【Methods】 Data on HBV-ACLF cases hospitalized in our hospital from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2022 were retrospectively collected, and were divided into standard comprehensive medical treatment group and DPMAS+HPE group according to different treatment methods. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to eliminate inter group confounding bias. The baseline data and improvement of laboratory indicators after treatment between two groups were compared. Death related risk factors in HBV-ACLF patients were screened by logistic regression analysis, and cumulative survival rates at 30 and 90 days between the two groups were compared by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. 【Results】 A total of 373 cases of HBV-ACLF were included in this study. Among them, 136 cases in the treatment group received DPMAS+HPE once on the basis of comprehensive internal medicine treatment, and 237 cases only received comprehensive internal medicine treatment. After PSM, 136 patients were included as the control group. The decrease in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total protein (TP) in the treatment group before and after treatment was significantly greater than that in the control group (446.5 vs 159.0, 317.0 vs 92.0,5.2 vs 0.3), with statistically significant difference (P<0.05). DPMAS+HPE treatment is an independent protective factor for mortality in HBV-ACLF patients at 30 and 90 days (30 days: OR=0.497, P<0.05; 90 days: OR= 0.436, P<0.05). The cumulative survival rates at 30 and 90 days in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group (30 days: 50.71% vs 44.12%, P<0.05; 90 days: 30.15% vs 22.79%, P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 DPMAS+HPE improves the short-term prognosis of HBV-ACLF patients and can serve as an effective artificial liver model for the treatment of HBV-ACLF patients.

Progress in plasma exchange for severe immune-related dermatoses / 中国输血杂志

Plasma exchange (PE) is effective in a part of autoimmune diseases, and its main action mechanisms include removing pathogenic factors from the patient's blood, regulating immune function, replenishing normal plasma components. The use of PE in the treatment of severe immune-related skin diseases, such as pemphigus vulgaris, toxic epidermal necrolysis and clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis, has become more widespread. This review provides an overview of the progress of PE application in severe immune-related skin diseases at home and abroad in recent years to provide new ideas for the treatment of clinical severe skin diseases.

Severe drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms with acute liver failure managed with therapeutic plasma exchange: case report

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a drug reaction which is associated with systemic symptoms. The exact pathogenesis is not known but may be related to drug specific immune response. The severity of disease varies from mild skin eruptions with transaminasemia to life threatening organ failure. Liver is the most common organ involved. However, acute liver failure is less common. Once liver failure develops patients need liver transplant. Transplant is not always feasible. We present a case report of a middle-aged male who presented with phenytoin induced DRESS and acute liver failure. He was salvaged with low volume plasma exchange; 1.5 to 2 times of patient’s plasma volumes was replaced with fresh frozen plasma. This new and novel technique has no major side effects can be life-saving in situations where the patient cannot undergo a transplant.

Effects of therapeutic plasma exchange on a cohort of patients with severe coronavirus infection: real world evidence from Brazil

ABSTRACT Introduction: The therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) controls the systemic cytokine level and might improve the immune response in patients with severe Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. To date, in developing countries, no study has explored the effectiveness and risk factors in a population with severe COVID-19 exposed to the TPE. Method: We described the risk factors associated with survival rates higher than 28 days and length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU) shorter than 15 days. Severe COVID-19 cases treated with TPE were included, from August 2020 to June 2021. Survival analysis with Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to assess patient-related factors that could predict a higher survival rate and the ICU LOS. Results: A total of 99 patients with severe COVID-19 who had received TPE were followed during their hospital stay and for 28 days after discharge. The sample was composed of men (63%) aged 56 ± 16 years. The overall survival rate at 28 days was 80%. The ICU LOS (p = 0.0165) and mechanical ventilation (MV) (p = 0.00008) were considered factors that could increase the risk of death. Patient-related factors that influenced the 28-day mortality were the smoking status (OR = 5.8; 95%CI 1.5, 22) and history of oncologic or non-malignant hematologic diseases (OR = 5.9; 95%CI 1.2, 29). Conclusion: Patients with severe COVID-19 exposed to the TPE were associated with a 20% risk of death in a 28-day observation window, appearing to be lower than previous treatments. Active smoking, cancer and immunosuppressive conditions should be considered as relevant variables to be controlled in future trials on the TPE and COVID-19.

Plasma exchange in inflammatory demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system: reasonable use in the clinical practice / Plasmaférese em doenças inflamatórias desmielinizantes do sistema nervoso central: uso coerente na prática clínica

Abstract Plasma exchange (PLEX) is a therapeutic apheresis modality in which the plasma is separated from inflammatory factors such as circulating autoreactive immunoglobulins, the complement system, and cytokines, and its therapeutic effect is based on the removal of these mediators of pathological processes. Plasma exchange is well established for various neurological disorders, and it is applied successfully in central nervous system inflammatory demyelinating diseases (CNS-IDD). It mainly modulates the humoral immune system; thus, it has a greater theoretical effect in diseases with prominent humoral mechanisms, such as neuromyelitis optica (NMO). However, it also has a proven therapeutic effect in multiple sclerosis (MS) attacks. Several studies have suggested that patients with severe attacks of CNS-IDD have poor response to steroid therapy but show clinical improvement after the PLEX treatment. Currently, PLEX is generally established only as a rescue therapy for steroid unresponsive relapses. However, there are still research gaps in the literature regarding plasma volume, number of sessions, and how early the apheresis treatment needs to started. Thus, in the present article, we summarize the clinical studies and meta-analyses, especially about MS and NMO, outlining clinical data regarding the experience with therapeutic PLEX in severe attacks of CNS-IDD, the clinical improvement rates, the prognostic factors of a favorable response, and highlighting the likely role of the early apheresis treatment. Further, we have gathered this evidence and suggested a protocol for the treatment of CNS-IDD with PLEX in the routine clinical practice.

Resumo Plasmaférese (PLEX) é um procedimento em que o plasma é separado de fatores inflamatórios como imunoglobulinas autorreativas circulantes, sistema complemento e citocinas, e seu efeito terapêutico se baseia na remoção desses mediadores de processos patológicos. A PLEX está bem estabelecida no tratamento de diversos distúrbios neurológicos, e é utilizada com sucesso em surtos de doenças desmielinizantes inflamatórias do sistema nervoso central (CNS-IDD). A PLEX modula principalmente o sistema imunológico humoral; assim, tem efeito teórico maior em doenças com mecanismos patológicos humorais proeminentes, como a neuromielite óptica (NMO). No entanto tem também efeito terapêutico comprovado em surtos de esclerose múltipla (EM). Estudos sugerem que a corticoterapia é pouco eficaz em pacientes com surtos graves de CNS-IDD, e que estes apresentam melhora clínica após o tratamento com PLEX. Atualmente, a PLEX está geralmente estabelecida apenas como terapia de resgate para surtos não responsivos a corticosteroides. No entanto, há lacunas na literatura sobre a quantidade de troca de volume plasmático, o número de sessões, e o tempo de início da aférese terapêutica. Dessa forma, resumimos neste artigo estudos clínicos e metanálises, especialmente sobre EM e NMO, e delineamos os dados clínicos sobre a experiência com o uso de PLEX em surtos graves de CNS-IDD, as taxas de melhora clínica, os fatores prognósticos para uma resposta favorável, e destacamos o provável papel do tratamento precoce nestes casos. Em um segundo momento, reunimos essas evidências em uma sugestão de protocolo de tratamento de CNS-IDD com PLEX na prática clínica rotineira.

Research advances in the treatment of Crigler-Najjar syndrome / 临床肝胆病杂志

Crigler-Najjar syndrome (CNS) is an autosomal recessive disorder in which the content of plasma unconjugated bilirubin is increased due to the reduction or complete deficiency of the activity of bilirubin uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1), classified as CNS type Ⅰ and Ⅱ. CNS type Ⅰ is the most severe, which will develop into kernicterus, damage the brain nervous system, and even threaten the life of patients. This article introduces six CNS treatment techniques, including phototherapy, plasma exchange, drug therapy, liver transplantation, hepatocyte transplantation and gene therapy. The applicable patient types, treatment effects and existing deficiencies of each technique were summarized. Phototherapy, plasma exchange, drug therapy and hepatocyte transplantation can temporarily control serum levels and reduce the risk of jaundice, but cannot completely restore UGT1A1 enzyme activity; liver transplantation is currently the only treatment option for CNS type Ⅰ patients, but is limited by suitable liver donors and post-operative immune rejection. Gene therapy has the most promising application in the treatment of genetic disorders such as CNS, which can provide more viable therapeutic techniques for CNS patients.

Analysis of curative effect and short-term survival rate of plasma exchange and double plasma molecular adsorption combined with half-volume plasma exchange in the treatment of liver failure / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To investigate how plasma exchange (PE) and double plasma molecular adsorption combined with half-volume plasma exchange (DPMAS + half-volume PE) affect the curative effect and short-term survival rate in liver failure. Methods: Data from 181 cases of liver failure caused by different etiologies from January 1, 2017 to September 31, 2020, were selected. Patients were divided into a PE treatment alone group and a DPMAS + half-dose PE treatment group. The laboratory indicators with different models of artificial liver before and after treatment and the survival rates of 7, 14, 28, and 90 days after discharge were observed in the two groups. Measurement data were analyzed by t-tests and rank sum tests. Categorical data were analyzed by χ (2) test. Results: Non-biological artificial liver therapy with different models improved the liver and coagulation function in the two groups of patients with liver failure (P < 0.05 in PTA% intra-group). The coagulation function was significantly improved in the PE treatment alone group compared with that in the DPMAS + half-dose PE group [PT after treatment: (20.15 ± 0.88) s in the PE treatment alone group, (23.43 ± 1.02) s, t = -2.44, P = 0.016 in the DPMAS+half-dose PE group; PTA: 44.72% ± 1.75% in the PE treatment alone group, 35.62% ± 2.25%, t = 3.215 P = 0.002 in the DPMAS + half-dose PE group]. Bilirubin levels were significantly decreased in the DPMAS+half-dose PE group compared to the PE treatment alone group [total bilirubin after treatment: (255.30 ± 15.64) μmol/L in the PE treatment alone group, (205.46 ± 9.03) μmol/L, t = 2.74, P = 0.07 in the DPMAS + half-dose PE group; direct bilirubin after treatment: (114.74 ± 7.11) μmol/L in the PE treatment alone group, (55.33 ± 3.18) μmol/L, t = 7.54, P < 0.001) in the DPMAS + half-dose PE group]. However, there was no significant effect on leukocytes and neutrophils after treatment with different models of artificial liver (P > 0.05) in the two groups, and platelets decreased after treatment, with no statistically significant difference between the groups (t = -0.15, P = 0.882). The inflammatory indexes of the two groups improved after treatment with different models of artificial liver (P < 0.05], and the 28 and 90 d survival rates were higher in the DPMAS+half-dose PE group than those of the PE treatment alone group (28 d: 60.3% vs. 75.0%, χ (2) = 4.315, P = 0.038; 90 d: 56.2% vs. 72.5%. χ (2) = 10.355 P < 0.001). DPMAS + half-dose PE group plasma saving was 1385 ml compared with PE treatment alone group (Z = -7.608, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Both DPMAS+half-dose PE and PE treatment alone have a certain curative effect on patients with liver failure. In DPMAS+half-dose PE, the 28-day survival rate is superior to PE treatment alone, and it saves plasma consumption and minimizes blood use in clinic.

Clinical application of plasma exchange combined with continuous veno-venous hemofiltration dialysis in children with refractory Kawasaki disease shock syndrome / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the role of plasma exchange combined with continuous blood purification in the treatment of refractory Kawasaki disease shock syndrome (KDSS).@*METHODS@#A total of 35 children with KDSS who were hospitalized in the Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Hunan Children's Hospital, from January 2019 to August 2022 were included as subjects. According to whether plasma exchange combined with continuous veno-venous hemofiltration dialysis was performed, they were divided into a purification group with 12 patients and a conventional group with 23 patients. The two groups were compared in terms of clinical data, laboratory markers, and prognosis.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the conventional group, the purification group had significantly shorter time to recovery from shock and length of hospital stay in the pediatric intensive care unit, as well as a significantly lower number of organs involved during the course of the disease (P<0.05). After treatment, the purification group had significant reductions in the levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, heparin-binding protein, and brain natriuretic peptide (P<0.05), while the conventional group had significant increases in these indices after treatment (P<0.05). After treatment, the children in the purification group tended to have reductions in stroke volume variation, thoracic fluid content, and systemic vascular resistance and an increase in cardiac output over the time of treatment.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Plasma exchange combined with continuous veno-venous hemofiltration dialysis for the treatment of KDSS can alleviate inflammation, maintain fluid balance inside and outside blood vessels, and shorten the course of disease, the duration of shock and the length of hospital stay in the pediatric intensive care unit.