Efficacy of Extracorporeal Plasma Therapy for Adult Native Kidney Patients with Primary FSGS: a Systematic Review

Purpose: This study aimed to assess efficacy of extracorporeal plasma therapy (EPT), including plasmapheresis (PE), immunoadsorption (IA), low-density lipoprotein apheresis (LDL-A), and lymphocytapheresis (LCAP) for adult native kidney patients with primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).

Methods: A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Databases through August 2022. Studies that reported outcomes of EPT in adult native kidneys with primary FSGS were enrolled.

Results: 18 studies with 104 therapy-resistant or refractory primary native FSGS patients were identified. Overall EPT response rate was 56%, with long-term benefit of 46%. Of the 101 non-hemodialysis (HD) patients, 54% achieved remission, with 30% complete remission (CR) and 23% partial remission (PR). Of 31 patients with PE, response rate was 65%; CR and PR rates were 27% and 37% in 30 non-HD patients. Of 61 patients with LDL-A, the response rate was 54%; CR and PR rates were 41% and 3% in 29 non-HD patients. Of 10 patients with IA, response rate was 40%. Of 2 patients with LCAP, 1 achieved CR, and one developed renal failure. All 3 HD patients showed increase in urine output and gradual decrease in urine protein excretion following PE ( = 1) or LDL-A ( = 2). 2 of 3 HD patients ultimately discontinued dialysis.

Conclusion: EPT with immunosuppressive therapy showed benefit in some patients with refractory primary FSGS, and PE appeared to have a higher response rate.