Hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis after plasma exchange in a patient with renal transplant rejection: A case report.

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an effective treatment for several renal disorders, including renal transplant rejection. However, repeated plasma exchanges can result in various metabolic disturbances and complications. We present a 61-year old male with a medical history of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, successfully treated multiple myeloma, and a post-mortem kidney transplantation 7 months prior to presentation. The patient was hospitalized with an antibody-mediated transplant rejection for which treatment with methylprednisolone, TPE with a 40 g/L albumin solution as a replacement fluid, and intravenous immunoglobulins was initiated. After four TPE treatments, the patient developed gastrointestinal complaints and muscle weakness. Despite daily oral bicarbonate supplementation, laboratory tests revealed a hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis: bicarbonate 11.7 mmol/L, chloride 111 mmol/L, and sodium 138 mmol/L. Metabolic acidosis due to citrate accumulation was ruled out with a normal total-to-ionized calcium ratio. After treatment with intravenous bicarbonate supplementation, the symptoms disappeared. Analysis of the albumin solution showed a chloride concentration of 132 mmol/L. This is the first case that describes severe metabolic acidosis after multiple sessions of TPE with an albumin solution in a patient with impaired renal function. The hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis is the result of administration of large volumes of an albumin solution with high chloride concentrations. Special attention should be paid to the acid-base balance during TPE in patients with impaired renal function. Future research should investigate the incidence of hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis during TPE in patients with impaired renal function.

Immunosuppressive drugs after solid organ transplantation.

In recent years solid organ transplantation has been rapidly developed as a therapeutic intervention that is life-saving and greatly contributes to a better quality of life in organ recipients. The rapid development has been made possible because of a drastic expansion in the immunosuppressive repertoire. Unfortunately, the side effects of these drugs can be severe, which is one of the reasons that life expectancy of transplant patients still significantly falls short of that of the general population. In this review manuscript we will discuss current and future immunosuppressive strategies that are employed in solid organ transplantation. Expanding our understanding of the human immune system will hopefully provide us with newer, smarter drugs that promote immunotolerance without the side effects observed today.