Protein A immunoadsorption for anti-glomerular basement membrane nephritis

Abstract

Anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) nephritis is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by acute and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. In this report, we present the case of a 52-year-old woman with anti-GBM nephritis who was treated with Staphylococcus Protein A immunoadsorption in combination with glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide. After 8 cycles of immunoadsorption, the patient's anti-GBM antibodies decreased from 363 AU/mL to less than 20 AU/mL, accompanied by a dropped immunoglobin G level, although renal impairment persisted. We reviewed the therapeutic options for anti-GBM nephritis and compared plasma exchange, double filtration plasmapheresis, and immunoadsorption with regard to plasma consumption, allergic events, and plasma components loss. Protein A immunoadsorption appears to be a promising treatment modality for anti-GBM nephritis.

Keywords

• Anti-GBM nephritis
• Protein A immunoadsorption
• Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis
• Pulmonary hemorrhage