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.

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.

ABO-incompatible living-related kidney transplantation: report of 23 cases / 器官移植

Objective To evaluate clinical efficacy and safety of ABO-incompatible (ABOi) living-related kidney transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 23 recipients undergoing ABOi living-related kidney transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. According to the initial blood group antibody titers in the recipients before surgery, different individualized pretreatment regimens were adopted, including oral intake of immunosuppressive drugs plus rituximab, or oral intake of immunosuppressive drugs plus plasma exchange and/or double filtration plasmapheresis plus rituximab. The blood group antibody titers before and after pretreatment, before and after kidney transplantation, and perioperative renal function and related complications were monitored. Renal allograft function and related complications were observed during postoperative follow-up. Results Among 23 recipients undergoing ABOi living-related kidney transplantation, except for one case presenting with hyperacute rejection during operation, the serum creatinine levels of the remaining 22 recipients were restored normal. Perioperative complications included lymphatic fistula in 4 cases, 1 case of urinary fistula, 1 case of perirenal hematoma complicated with T cell-mediated rejection, 6 cases of urinary system infection, 1 case of acute tubular necrosis, 1 case of acute pancreatitis, 1 case of blood group antibody titer rebound, and 1 case of primary disease recurrence, and all of these complications were cured after corresponding treatment. During postoperative follow-up, the graft and recipient survival rates of 22 recipients were 100%, and renal allograft function was normal. The blood group antibody titer were all ≤1:8 during follow-up. Complications during follow-up included 2 cases of severe lung infection, 1 case of antibody-mediated rejection, 2 cases of primary disease recurrence, 1 case of lymphocyst, 1 case of urinary system infection, 1 case of herpes zoster, 1 case of BK viruria and 2 cases of abnormal blood glucose levels. Conclusions ABOi living-related kidney transplantation may be safely performed by selecting individualized pretreatment regimens according to antibody titers by different blood groups. However, high-dose rituximab or combined use of rabbit anti-human thymocyte immunoglobulin may cause severe infectious complications in highly sensitized recipients.

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.

Triglyceride-controlling during acute phase of hypertriglyceridemia induced pancreatitis / 中华消化外科杂志

Triglyceride-controlling is an important treatment for hypertriglyceridemia induced pancreatitis in acute phase. At present, there is no unified recommendation of acute pan-creatitis guidelines for triglyceride-controlling at home and abroad, leading to confusion in clinical treatment. Combined with the relevant literatures and current researches, the authors summarize the principles, commonly used methods, status quo, and our recommendations for triglyceride-controlling of acute hypertriglyceridemia induced pancreatitis, aiming to provide theoretical guidance for the standardized treatment of hypertriglyceridemia induced pancreatitis in the acute phase.

Analysis of therapeutic plasma exchange combined with continuous venovenous hemofiltration in the treatment of children with severe sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic potential of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) combined with continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) in the treatment of children with severe sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).Methods:It was a prospective randomized controlled study (RCT) involving 70 children with severe sepsis and MODS admitted to Anyang Maternal and Child Health Hospital from February 2019 to February 2023.According to random number table method, they were randomly divided into combination group (35 cases) and CVVH group (35 cases). Patients in the CVVH group were treated with CVVH alone, and those in the combination group were treated with TPE combined with CVVH.The antibiotic use time of the two groups was recorded and compared by the t test.The prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), partial prothrombin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB), and serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and soluble receptor (sFLT) levels before treatment and 48 h and 72 h after treatment were compared by the repeated measurement ANOVA for the overall comparison at multiple time points, and LSD- t test for pair-wise comparison.The 28-day survival of the two groups was recorded and compared by the Chi- square test. Results:The PT, TT and APTT at 48 h and 72 h after treatment were significantly lower in the combination group than those of CVVH group (all P<0.05). The FIB at 48 h[(2.15±0.42) g/L vs.(1.84±0.31) g/L]and 72 h after treatment [(2.89±0.27) g/L vs.(2.49±0.20) g/L]were significantly higher in the combination group than those of CVVH group (all P<0.05). The duration of antibiotic use in the combination group was significantly shorter than that of CVVH group [(11.33±1.16) d vs.(13.54±1.92) d, t=5.828, P<0.05]. Serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α at 48 h and 72 h were significantly lower in the combination group than those of CVVH group (all P<0.05). Serum levels of HMGB1, TLR4 and sFLT at 48 h and 72 h were significantly lower in the combination group than those of CVVH group (all P<0.05). The 28-day survival of the combination group was significantly higher than that of CVVH group (94.29% vs.77.14%, χ2=4.200, P=0.040). Conclusions:TPE combined with CVVH can improve the coagulation function and inflammatory factor levels in children with severe sepsis and MODS, which may achieve therapeutic objectives by regulating the levels of HMGB1, TLR4 and sFLT, and improve the short-term prognosis.

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.

An unusual case of steroid unresponsive Hashimoto抯 encephalitis in Indian under-5

Hashimoto抯 encephalopathy (HE) is a rare entity in children. Usually, it responds very well to steroids. We report a case of steroid-unresponsive HE in a 4-year-old male child presenting with acute encephalitis syndrome with raised intracranial pressure. Serum anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody was high. He was refractory to intravenous immune globulin and steroids. He underwent plasma exchange therapy which had a dramatic response with marked clinical improvement.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Mexico: An Updated Review Amid the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Era

ABSTRACT Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is the most frequent cause of acute flaccid paralysis and if not diagnosed and treated timely, a significant cause of long-term disability. Incidence in Latin America ranges from 0.71 to 7.63 cases/100,000 person-years. Historically, GBS has been linked to infections (mainly gastrointestinal by Campylobacter jejuni) and vaccines (including those against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2]); however, a trigger cannot be detected in most cases. Regarding SARS-CoV-2, epidemiological studies have found no association with its development. Acute motor axonal neuropathy is the most common electrophysiological variant in Mexico and Asian countries. Intravenous immunoglobulin or plasma exchanges are still the treatment cornerstones. Mortality in Mexico can be as high as 12%. Advances in understanding the drivers of nerve injury in GBS that may provide the basis for developing targeted therapies have been made during the past decade; despite them, accurate criteria for selecting patients requiring acute treatment, prognostic biomarkers, and novel therapies are still needed. The newly-developed vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have raised concerns regarding the potential risk for developing GBS. In the midst of coronavirus disease 2019 and vaccination campaigns against SARS-CoV-2, this review discusses the epidemiology, clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of GBS in Mexico.

Intercambio plasmático terapéutico por plasmafiltración: experiencia de 11 años de un centro / Therapeutic plasma exchange: experience in 102 patients

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) is a procedure in which plasma and harmful macromolecules are separated from the rest of the blood components by centrifugation or filtration through membranes and are replaced with solutions with albumin and/or plasma. AIM: To communicate our experience using TPE by filtration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of records of 655 TPE sessions performed in 102 patients aged 50 ± 18 years (64% women). The requirement of renal replacement therapy (RRT) and seven days and one year mortality were recorded. RESULTS: Forty five percent of patients had hypertension or diabetes. The main indications for TPE were pulmonary-renal syndrome (PRS) (62%) and antibody mediated graft rejection (29%), followed by neurological diseases (36%). Fifteen percent of patients required RRT for one year. Mortality at seven days and one year was 20 and 30%, respectively. Out of the total of deaths associated with kidney diseases, 88% corresponded to PRS and ANCA vasculitis. The main complications were thrombocytopenia in 41%, hypocalcemia in 18%, and hypotension in 16%. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, TPE by filtration is a safe technique, with mild and preventable complications. Despite this, the reported mortality is high, which reflects the severity of the diseases that motivated the indication for TPE.

The paradox of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and the TACO challenge!

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare medical emergency characterized by the pentad of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, fever, renal failure, and neurological dysfunction. TTP is an infrequent condition and is a thrombotic microangiopathy. TTP is essentially a clinical diagnosis. As untreated TTP has a high mortality, diagnosis is usually presumptive and prompt treatment with plasma exchange is highly beneficial and reduces mortality significantly. Therapeutic plasma exchange with fresh frozen plasma is the standard treatment of choice for TTP. Transfusion-associated reactions may occur in some patients further complicating the disease picture and prolonging hospital stay and recovery. Transfusion-associated circulatory overload and transfusion-associated acute lung injury are the leading cause of transfusion-related mortality. We present here the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges that we faced with a young male patient who presented with fever, jaundice, and seizures.

Chimeric antigen receptor T-associated cytokines release syndrome managed by therapeutic plasma exchange and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors: a case report / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To learn more about the role of therapeutic plasma exchange in the management of cytokines release syndrome(CRS) after chimeric antigen receptor T(CAR-T) infusion by reviewing and analyzing the diagnosis and treatment of one case. 【Methods】 The diagnosis and treatment of lymphoma patients with CAR-T infusion related CRS were described, and case analysis was carried out by searching PubMed, Elsevier, Wiley, CNKI, and other databases for relevant guidelines, clinical trials, and case reports. 【Results】 The patient was diagnosed with follicular cell lymphoma. Progressive disease(PD) was assessed after multiple courses of treatment, and anti-CD19/20 CAR-T cell therapy was administered.The patient developed a high fever and chills, secondary dyspnea and hypotension at night on the day of infusion, and the inflammatory factors such as C-reactive protein(CRP) and interleukin-6(IL-6) increased sharply, suggesting the occurrence of cytokines release syndrome(CRS). After the patient was given symptomatic antipyretic, broad-spectrum anti-infection, tumor necrosis factor(TNF) antibody and three occasions of plasma exchange, the clinical manifestations of CRS gradually relieved. Three months after discharge, the patient was in complete response(CR). 【Conclusion】 CAR-T-associated CRS is a serious cellular immunotherapy-related toxicity that can result in multiple organ failure or even death in patients. Therapeutic plasma exchange may be a potential treatment for some patients with severe CRS.

Severe Streptococcus pneumoniae-associated red blood cell T-polyagglutination and plasma exchange strategy / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To identify and propose blood transfusion suggestions for 3 children suspected to have red blood cell T polyagglutination. 【Methods】 According to the RBC reactions with phytohemagglutinin, adult serum and cord blood serum, aggregation test with polybrene reagent and MN antigen phenotype test were carried out on 3 children to confirm the presence of T polyagglutination. The donor serum with negative or weak reactions was selected by minor cross matching for the 3 children who needed therapeutic plasma exchange(TPE). 【Results】 Three cases of RBC T polyagglutination were caused by bacterial infection, with transient appearance of MN antigen; the samples were reactive to peanut agglutinin, soybean agglutinin, adult serum but nonreactive to cord blood serum, and didn′t aggregate after adding polybrene reagent. After receiving timely TPE, the T polyagglutination gradually disappeared. 【Conclusion】 Some bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, may cause polyagglutination of red blood cells. The patients with suspected T polyagglutination should be diagnosed in time. For T polyagglutination patients, the minor matched plasma should be used for avoiding the random plasma with anti-T antibody transfusion.

Diagnosis and treatment of acute liver failure in children with Wilson's disease / 临床肝胆病杂志

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a rare and extremely severe clinical form of Wilson's disease (WD), characterized by progressive aggravation of jaundice and significant coagulation disorder with acute intravascular hemolysis. There is a high risk of severe complications such as hepatic encephalopathy and acute renal failure, and the disease progresses rapidly after onset and has a high mortality rate. At present, it is difficult to diagnose WD presenting as ALF in the early stage due to a lack of unified indicators for rapid diagnosis. Liver transplantation was considered the only effective treatment method for this disease in the past; however, recent studies have shown that medical treatment without liver transplantation can achieve autologous liver relief and recovery in some patients with WD-ALF.

Efficacy of plasma exchange in children with severe hemophagocytic syndrome: a prospective randomized controlled trial / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the efficacy and application value of plasma exchange as an adjuvant therapy in children with hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS).@*METHODS@#A prospective randomized controlled trial was designed. Forty children with severe HPS were enrolled, who were treated in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of Hunan Children's Hospital from October 2018 to October 2020. The children were randomly divided into a plasma exchange group and a conventional treatment group using a random number table, with 20 children in each group. The children in the conventional treatment group received etiological treatment and conventional symptomatic supportive treatment, and those in the plasma exchange group received plasma exchange in addition to the treatment in the conventional treatment group. The two groups were compared in terms of general information, clinical symptoms and signs before and after treatment, main laboratory markers, treatment outcome, and prognosis.@*RESULTS@#Before treatment, there were no significant differences between the two groups in gender, age, course of the disease before admission, etiological composition, pediatric critical illness score, involvement of organ or system functions, and laboratory markers (P>0.05). After 7 days of treatment, both groups had remission and improvement in clinical symptoms and signs. After treatment, the plasma exchange group had significantly lower levels of C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and serum protein levels than the conventional treatment group (P<0.05). The plasma exchange group also had significantly lower levels of alanine aminotransferase and total bilirubin than the conventional treatment group (P<0.05). The length of stay in the PICU in the plasma exchange group was significantly shorter than that in the conventional treatment group (P<0.05). The plasma exchange group had a significantly higher treatment response rate than the conventional treatment group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the total length of hospital stay and 3-month mortality rate (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Plasma exchange as an adjuvant therapy is effective for children with severe HPS. It can improve clinical symptoms and signs and some laboratory markers and shorten the length of stay in the PICU, and therefore, it may become an optional adjuvant therapy for children with severe HPS.

Clinical research of plasma diafiltration in the treatment of severe liver failure / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To study the clinical effect of plasma diafiltration in severe liver failure.Methods:The clinical data of 64 patients with severe liver failure treated in Changsha Central Hospital Affiliated to Nanhua University from January 2019 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The control group ( n=32) was treated with plasma exchange; The observation group ( n=32) was treated with plasma dialysis and filtration, and the clinical therapeutic effects of the two groups were compared. Results:The total effective rate of observation group was 96.88%(31/32), which was significantly higher than that of control group (78.13%, 25/32) ( P<0.05). After treatment, there was no significant difference in total bilirubin and direct bilirubin between the observation group and the control group (all P>0.05), but the alanine aminotransferase [(94.02±31.31)U/L] in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(160.79±53.55)U/L] ( P<0.05). After treatment, the serum creatinine [(87.80±10.7) μmol /L] and ammonia [(56.80±4.73)μmol/L] in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group [(101.57±25.34)μmol/L, (101.87±10.34)μmol/L, all P<0.05]. The plasma consumption of observation group [(1 582.25±125.15)ml] was significantly less than that of control group [(2 262.50±208.29)ml] ( P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was 3.13%(1/32), which was significantly lower than that in the control group [25.00%(8/32)], with statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Compared with plasma exchange, plasma dialysis and filtration in the treatment of severe liver failure can effectively improve the liver function of patients, with better clearance of small molecule toxins. Moreover, plasma dialysis and filtration has less amount of plasma use , higher safety, and better clinical application value.

Clinical efficacy and safety of lymphocyte apheresis combined with plasma exchange in the treatment of patients with hepatitis B virus-related liver failure at the ascending stage / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To analyze and summarize the clinical efficacy and safety of lymphocyte apheresis combined with plasma exchange in the treatment of patients with hepatitis B virus-related liver failure at the ascending stage.Methods:A observational study was conducted. A total of 69 hepatitis B virus-related liver failure at the ascending stage patients who were hospitalized at Affiliated Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from January 2016 to December 2020 were enrolled in this study. The patients were grouped according to their condition and wishes, including 38 patients treated with conservative medical treatment (control group) and 31 patients treated with lymphocyte apheresis combined with plasma exchange based on comprehensive medical treatment (study group). Clinical data were compared between the two groups 1-4 weeks after treatment, including dynamic changes of total bilirubin (TBil), international normalized ratio (INR), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, and the rate of clinical improvement at 4 weeks after treatment. In addition, the adverse effects and dynamic changes of white blood cell count (WBC), lymphocyte count (LYM), platelet count (PLT), and hemoglobin (Hb) within 4 weeks after treatment were compared between the two groups.Results:Both groups showed significant improvement in clinical parameters after 1-4 weeks of initiation of therapy. The improvement of TBil, INR and MELD score at 1-4 weeks after treatment were significantly better in the treatment group than those in the control group [TBil (μmol/L): 248 (117, 335) vs. 398 (328, 464) at 1 week, 173 (116, 278) vs. 326 (184, 476) at 2 weeks, 107 (84, 235) vs. 355 (129, 467) at 3 weeks, 70 (61, 172) vs. 290 (82, 534) at 4 weeks; INR: 1.72±0.70 vs. 2.13±0.69 at 1 week, 1.67±0.61 vs. 2.28±1.35 at 2 weeks, 1.65±0.75 vs. 2.15±0.92 at 3 weeks, 1.61±0.93 vs. 2.19±1.17 at 4 weeks; MELD score: 18.35±5.32 vs. 23.38±4.56 at 1 week, 16.47±5.16 vs. 23.71±7.94 at 2 weeks, 16.30±5.75 vs. 22.64±6.99 at 3 weeks, 14.63±6.76 vs. 20.97±8.19 at 4 weeks], with significant differences (all P < 0.05). In addition, ALT levels at 1 week and 2 weeks after treatment in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group [U/L: 128 (93, 206) vs. 240 (167, 436) at 1 week, 64 (42, 110) vs. 85 (69, 143) at 2 weeks, both P < 0.05]. The rate of clinical improvement at 4 weeks after treatment in the study group was 54.84% (17/31), which was significantly higher than that in the control group [28.95% (11/38)], with statistically significant difference ( P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the rate of new infection between the study group and the control group [22.58% (7/31) vs. 34.21% (13/38), P > 0.05]. Additionally, expect that the PLT level at 1 week after treatment in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group (×10 9/L: 101±42 vs. 128±59, P < 0.01), there was no significant difference in WBC, LYM or Hb at different time points after treatment between the two groups. Conclusion:Clinical efficacy of lymphocyte apheresis combined with plasma exchange based on comprehensive medical treatment in the treatment of patients with hepatitis B virus-related liver failure at the ascending stage is superior to conservative medical treatment alone, which can improve clinical improvement rate and recovery rate of liver function with high safety.

Evaluation of therapeutic plasma exchange combined with continuous renal replacement therapy in patients with early septic shock / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of therapeutic plasma exchange with continuous renal replacement therapy in patients with early septic shock.Methods:A total of 55 patients with septic shock admitted to ICU of Mindong Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University from December 2017 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into the therapeutic plasma exchange group ( n=29) and standard-therapy group ( n=26) according to whether plasma exchange combined with hemofiltration was used. Patients in both groups were treated according to the 2016 Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines. No hemofiltration or/and plasma exchange therapy was performed in the standard-therapy group. In the therapeutic plasma exchange group, hemofiltration was performed immediately after plasma exchange within 24 h. The inflammatory indexes, hemodynamic indexes, organ function scores and 28-day mortality were monitored before and 24 h after treatment. χ2 test was used for counting data, t-test was used for measurement data, and Kaplan-Meier curve was used to evaluate 28-day survival status. Results:(1) There were no differences in sex, age, underlying diseases, acute physiology and chronic health evaluationⅡ (APACHEⅡ) score and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score before treatment between the two groups. (2) There were no significant differences in PCT, CRP and IL-6 between the two groups at enrollment. After treatment, PCT, CRP and IL-6 in the therapeutic plasma exchange group were significantly lower than those in the standard-therapy group [PCT (ng/mL): (50.07±14.54) vs. (57.93±13.42), P=0.043; CRP (mg/L): (85.71±46.05) vs. (115.10±44.42), P=0.042; IL-6 (pg/mL): (5 957.45±2 344.48) vs. (7 522.94±3 218.94), P=0.043], but there was no significant difference in WBC between the two groups. (3) There were no significant differences in norepinephrine dose, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), extravascular lung water index (EVLWI) and Lactate level between the two groups. After treatment, the norepinephrine dose, lactate level and EVLWI in the therapeutic plasma exchange group decreased significantly, while SVRI increased significantly {norepinephrine dose [μg/(kg·min): (0.76±0.39) vs. (0.54±0.39), P=0.044; lactate (μmmol/ L): (7.74±4.22) vs. (4.51±1.62), P<0.001; EVLWI (mL/kg): (10.04±2.77) vs. (8.23±2.23), P=0.008; SVRI (dyn·s/cm 2): (1 103.14±364.94) vs. (1 403.31±264.46), P=0.001}. Compared with the standard-therapy, the 24-h intravenous infusion volume was significantly decreased [(3 852.07±686.43) mL vs. (4 474.81±572.71) mL, P=0.001]. (4) There were no significant differences in APACHEⅡscore and SOFA score between the two groups at enrollment. After treatment, the APACHEⅡscore and SOFA score of the therapeutic plasma exchange group were significantly lower than those of the standard-therapy group [APACHEⅡscore: (14.07±4.30) vs. (19.23±5.44), P<0.001; SOFA score: (9.93±1.16) vs. (11.69±1.81), P<0.001)]. There were no significant differences in ICU mortality and 28-day mortality between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Therapeutic plasma exchange with continuous renal replacement therapy can reduce the inflammatory response and improve hemodynamics in patients with septic shock. However, 24 h treatment did not improve the mortality of patients.