[Carotid ultrasound: prevention of heart disease and mortality on haemodialysis]. / La ecografía carotídea es útil para predecir enfermedad coronaria y mortalidad en pacientes en hemodiálisis.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease and other complications of atherosclerosis are the most common cause of death in patients with chronic renal failure in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Carotid ultrasonography is a simple non-invasive tool to investigate the vascular system, by means of intima media thickness (IMT) measurement and carotid wall calcifications. OBJECTIVE: To determine IMT and the presence of plaques, and their possible clinical relationships; finally we tried to investigate whether they would predict cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients in MHD. METHODS: We studied 60 MHD patients (age 68 +/- 13 years, 48% male, 50% diabetics, time on MHD 32 +/- 11 months) and a control group of 274 people matched for age and sex. Follow-up period was 66 +/- 13 months. MEASUREMENTS: Demographic and clinical data, serum levels of homocysteine (tHcy), folic acid (FA) and B6 and B12 vitamins. IMT was measured by high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. RESULTS: IMT was higher in MHD patients than in those in the control group (0.947 +/- 0.308 vs 0.619 +/- 0.176 mm; P < 0.001). IMT was related with age (r = 0.268; P = 0.038), diabetic (r = 0.650; P < 0.001) and hypertensive condition (r = 0.333; P = 0.012), but not wih lipids, tHcy or FA. Patients who suffered from coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease or stroke had higher IMT than those without those events (1.156 +/- 0.371 vs 0.875 +/- 0.285 mm; P < 0.001; 1.205 +/- 0.374 vs 0.911 +/- 0.231 mm; P = 0.007; 1.195 +/- 0.264 vs 0.844 +/- 0.251; P < 0.001 respectively). Something similar occurred with the presence of plaques. During the follow-up period 36 patients died (60%), 67% of them due to cardiovascular causes. IMT was higher in patients who died than those who survived (1.020 +/- 0.264 vs 0.858 +/- 0.334 mm; P = 0.044). The survival rate during the observation period was significantly lower in the final IMT fourth (20%) than in the first (72%) (P = 0.014). The presence of carotid plaques was an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggests that measurement of carotid IMT and the presence of wall plaques are useful tools to predict cardiovascular events and mortality in patients in MHD.

[Induction treatment by combining immunoglobulins, plasmapheresis and rituximab in hypersensitive patients receiving cadaveric renal allograft]. / Tratamiento de inducción combinando inmunoglobulinas, plasmaféresis y rituximab en pacientes hipersensibilizados que reciben trasplante renal de cadáver.

In our Universitary Hospital of Canarias we iniciated in May 2008 a induction therapy protocol for sensitized patients receiving cadaveric renal graft using intravenous immunoglobulins, plasmapheresis and rituximab plus immunosuppression with prednisone, tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. We present the results of four patients. Everyone had anti-HLA antibodies rate (PRA by CDC) more than 75%, were on a waiting list during 4 to 17 years and follow-up time was 10-14 months after transplantation. Patient and graft survival in this period was 100%. Only one patient suffered a humoral acute rejection and another one cellular rejection, in both cases reversible with treatment. During the first year, no evidence of de novo donor-specific antibodies was detected. All patients had significantly reduced the CD19+ cells percentage after infusion of rituximab. Neurological symptoms suggestive of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy or serious viral infections after transplantation have not been observed. Additionally, no immediate side effects were observed after administration of medication. In summary, induction therapy by combining immunoglobulin, plasmapheresis and rituximab in hypersensitive patients allows the realization of deceased kidney transplantation with good results in the short and medium-term without serious side effects. It remains to know whether this success will continue in the long term.

Visceral Leishmaniasis in Renal Transplant Recipients: Report of 2 Cases.

Visceral leishmaniasis is a disease caused by the protozoan Leishmania and is transmitted by Lutzomyia longipalpis (sand fly). It is an endemic parasitic infection in numerous areas around the Mediterranean basin. Though immunocompetent patients may not develop the disease, in transplant recipients the use of corticoids and intensified immunosuppressants to prevent graft rejection may accelerate the disease, causing severe damage to the liver, spleen, and hematopoietic system. We report 2 cases of visceral leishmaniasis with an atypical presentation in transplant recipients. The first patient, who had a kidney transplant, was treated successfully with liposomal amphotericin B, and the second patient, a combined kidney-pancreas transplant recipient, suffered a relapse 3 years after treatment. Visceral leishmaniasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pancytopenia or unexplained fever occurring after organ transplantation in patients living in endemic areas or returning from endemic countries.

Hepatitis C Treatment With Direct-Acting Antivirals in Kidney Transplant: Preliminary Results From a Multicenter Study.

Hepatitis C (HC) is a very relevant negative prognosis factor for graft and transplant recipient survival. New direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) allow us to solve this problem in an effective way. It is crucial to understand their real impact in our daily practice. We analyzed treatment results with DAA, free of interferon, in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) from 15 Spanish hospitals (Grupo Español de Actualización en Trasplante), regarding effectiveness, tolerance, and impact on immunosuppression, renal function-proteinuria, and diabetes. One hundred nineteen KTRs were included (9 combined liver-kidney transplants). The main DAA used was sofobusvir (91%) combined with ledipasvir (55%), simeprevir (14%), or daclatasvir (13%); in 9 cases (7%), a paritaprevir-ritonavir-ombitasvir-dasabuvir combination (3D) was used; Ribavirin was used as a coadjuvant in 18%. Side effects were limited (23.5%) and without relevance in general, except in 7 patients for whom we needed to interrupt the treatment due to neurotoxicity (1) caused by drug interaction (3D and tacrolimus) or anemia (3) by Ribavirin or others. Ninety-four patients had completed the treatment when data were analyzed: virological response was seen in 97.8% % of cases. Liver function analysis improved: 84% normal versus 21% before starting the treatment (P < .001). Renal function and proteinuria did not change. Tacrolimus level at the end of DAA-treatment was significantly lower with respect to the beginning (5.8 ± 2.1 ng/mL vs. 7.4 ± 1.8 ng/mL, P = .03), despite a slight increase in the dose (2.6 mg/d vs. 2.3 mg/d, P = .17). DAA are highly effective in the treatment of hepatitis C in KTRs with good tolerance in general, making it possible to solve the problem and have a good chance to improve the prognosis in our transplantation patients. The use of these therapies in KTRs requires special control and coordination with digestive professionals, especially if 3D or Ribavirin is used.

Induction therapy in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation: thymoglobulin versus basiliximab.

BACKGROUND: Induction therapy for simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantation. Both thymoglobulin (ATG) and basiliximab are the most-used types of induction antibodies therapies in clinical practice. The aim of our report was to analyze our experience comparing 2 induction therapies, for SPK transplantation in terms of pancreas and patient survival, as well as rejection rate. METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively a total of 97 SPK transplantations in our institution. The cases were divided according to induction therapy in 2 groups, basiliximab (n = 38) and ATG (n = 59). Rejection, patient and graft survival, and postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Survival in the ATG group was better without statistical difference at 1-, 3-, and 5-year follow-up (97%, 95%, and 95% versus 92%, 90%, and 87%, respectively). No difference was detected in pancreas graft survival after 1-, 3-, and 5-year follow-up (basiliximab 85%, 80%, and 77% versus ATG 84%, 84%, and 81%, respectively; log-rank, 0.847). Overall cellular rejection and early rejection were more common in the basiliximab group (30 versus 14%, and 21% versus 6%). In the multivariate analysis considering human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatches, the ATG group was a protective factor for cellular rejection. Major complications (Grade III-IV) and median length of the hospital stay were higher in the basiliximab group (55% versus 34%, P = .057, and 21 versus 16 days, P = .056). CONCLUSIONS: The pancreas graft survival was not affected by induction therapy. ATG induction therapy compared with basiliximab is associated with lower overall and early rejection rate. Over time this difference disappears.

Likely Recurrence of C3 Glomerulonephritis in Kidney Transplantation: An Entity to Bear in Mind: Case Report.

BACKGROUND: C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GN) is an unusual entity that is caused by dysregulation and hyperactivity of the alternative complement pathway. Renal biopsy immunofluorescence study shows C3 deposits with absence of immunoglobulins and markers of the classical complement pathway. More than 50% of cases develop end-stage renal disease. Less well-known is the course of C3GN after kidney transplantation. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 60-year-old woman with chronic kidney disease secondary to chronic glomerulonephritis of unknown origin who received a kidney transplant. Two years later, she presented worsening renal function with non-nephrotic proteinuria and microhematuria. Complement testing revealed low serum levels of C3. Kidney biopsy showed alterations compatible with C3GN that we interpreted as a relapse of the underlying disease.

[A study using nondecalcified bone biopsy of the incidence and presentation forms of renal osteodystrophy]. / Estudio con biopsia ósea sin descalcificar de la incidencia y formas de presentación de la osteodistrofia renal.

BACKGROUND: Renal osteodystrophy (ROD) is a common complication of chronic renal failure. Fibrous osteitis and, to a lesser extent, osteomalacia are the predominant lesions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of the different forms of ROD. METHODS: Nondecalcified bone biopsies were evaluated in 100 patients with end-stage renal disease (57 in pre-dialysis and 43 on hemodialysis) in whom biochemical (calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone) and histomorphometric studies were carried out. Bone biopsies were classified in four histological groups: mild, fibrous osteitis (FO), osteomalacia (OM) and mixed type (FO + OM). RESULTS: 96% of patients had histological findings of ROD with the following distribution: 41% mild; 30% FO; 14% OM; and 11% mixed. The most advanced types of ROD were seen in interstitial renal diseases. Pre-dialysis OM was associated with metabolic acidosis, a low phosphocalcic product and relative hypophosphoremia. Chronic aluminium poisoning was uncommon (7%) and was basically associated with OM. No instance of aluminium poisoning with osteodystrophy and bone fractures was seen. CONCLUSIONS: The most severe histological forms of OM were found in hemodialysis patients with persistent hypophosphoremia and associated with osteosclerosis.

[Recovery of kidney function in a female patient with severe lupus nephropathy]. / Recuperación de la función renal en una paciente con nefropatía lúpica severa.

The evolution of Lupus Nephritis to end-stage chronic renal failure is a frequent event. We report the case of a 28 years old patient with diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis with crescents formation and rapid decline of renal function without response to steroids, immunosuppressors and plasmapheresis. After 10 weeks of continued hemodialysis, during which the patient received 30 mg of prednisone in alternate days, renal function recovered spontaneously, and after 1 year of follow-up plasma creatinine is maintained in 2.5 mg/dl.

Pancreas graft survival in simultaneous pancreas-kidney versus pancreas-after-kidney and pancreas alone transplantations: a single institution experience.

BACKGROUND: Pancreas transplantation offers excellent outcomes today in patients who have type-1 diabetes mellitus (DM) with difficult control in terms of increasing patient and pancreatic graft survival. Different factors in donors, recipients, and the perioperative period have been associated with long-term graft survival. The aim of this study was to compare pancreatic graft survival in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK) and the other two modalities, pancreas-alone and pancreas-after-kidney transplantation (non-SPK), at our institution. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 63 pancreas transplantation patients from January 2007 to May 2012 at our institution. The patients were divided into two groups: SPK and non-SPK transplantations. We excluded those patients who had transplants with vascular graft loss. The primary endpoint was 1-year and overall graft survival with consideration of multiple relevant variables. Non-parametric tests were calculated with the statistical package SPSS 20 (SPSS INC, Chicago, IL). RESULTS: The 1-year and overall graft survival in this period was 87.3% and 82.5%, respectively. The median follow-up was 963 days. The causes of graft loss were vascular (64%) and immunologic (34%). Finally, we included 56 pancreas transplantations, 46 (82%) were SPK and 10 (18%) non-SPK. The donor and recipient characteristics were similar in both groups, except for the duration of DM (SPK 22 years vs. non-SPK 29 years) and recipient body mass index (SPK 23 vs. non-SPK 28); P = .042 and P = .003, respectively. The cold ischemia time was 563 minutes (standard deviation, 145). Bivariate analysis showed that long-term graft loss was only influenced by matching for gender (P = .023). Using the Kaplan-Meier method, the pancreas graft survival was better in SPK than in non-SPK transplants (log rank .038). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who receive pancreas-alone or pancreas-after-kidney grafts have shorter long-term graft survival. Multiple strategies should be applied to improve immunologic surveillance and obtain an early diagnosis of graft rejection.

Impact of blood amylase peak over vascular graft thrombosis in pancreas transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Vascular graft thrombosis (VGT) is still the achuilles heel in pancreas transplantation (PT); it is the main cause of nonimmunologic graft loss. Early diagnosis is essential to avoid transplantectomy. The aim of our study was to analyze the peak amylase during the first 3 days after PT as risk factor for VGT. METHODS: This retrospective study included 58 pancreas transplants in 55 patients from January 2007 to November 2011. They underwent an anticoagulation protocol based on unfractionated heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin. The technique consisted of enteric drainage and systemic venous drainage. The primary endpoint was VGT with consideration of multiple relevant variables. The maximum amylase level was determined during the first 3 days after transplantation. A receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to establish a cutoff point as (mean plus one standard deviation; 745 mg/dL), calculating the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. RESULTS: Recipient characteristics were 71% males with an overall mean age of 39 years (range, 23-55) and body mass index 24 (range, 19-36). The donor sex was similar. Mean donor age was 32 years with occurrences of hypotension in 9%, cerebrovascular brain death in 46%. Mean ischemia time was 10 hours and 45 minutes. Mean blood amylase peak was 395 mg/dL. Seven VGT cases were diagnosed during the postoperative period including six with complete thrombosis requring transplantectomy. Bivariate analysis showed the group of subjects with amylase levels above 745 mg/dL to display on eight-fold greater risk for VGT (odds ratio = 8.6; P = .032). The area under the curve of blood amylase peak during the first 3 days to detect VGT was 0.630 (95% confidence interval 0.41-0.84). CONCLUSIONS: A blood amylase peak above 745 mg/dL in the first 3 days after transplantation was associated with risk for VGT.

The role of peritoneal dialysis in the treatment of ascites.

Cirrhosis represents a late stage of hepatic fibrosis and leads to high morbidity and mortality, and the most frequent complication is ascites. Only a few patients with advanced cirrhosis have 'refractory ascites' and do not respond to conventional treatment. Repeated paracentesis for evacuation is considered the treatment of choice in these cases. A large proportion of these patients have associated chronic kidney disease (CKD), which may require renal replacement therapy (RRT). Due to the complications associated with liver disease with coagulation disorders and tendencies towards spontaneous hypotension, there are significant problems associated to RRT, especially haemodialysis (HD). On the contrary, peritoneal dialysis (PD) offers several advantages over HD in cirrhotic patients (with or without ascites) thanks to better haemodynamic tolerance, as it is a continuous and slow technique. Furthermore, PD has a low rate of infection and bleeding.

Creatinine clearance and proteinuria as early markers of kidney graft survival.

INTRODUCTION: In patients who receive a kidney transplant from expanded criteria donors (ECDs), few studies are available concerning the relation between the clinical characteristics, pretransplant biopsies, and graft outcomes. AIM: To identify early clinical markers predicting worse graft survival in recipients of kidneys from ECDs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1999 and 2006, we performed a prospective, observational study in 180 recipients of kidney grafts from ECDs that had undergone a preoperative biopsy to evaluate viability. The patients received immunosuppression with basiliximab, late introduction of tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroids. Data were gathered on demographic and posttransplantation clinical characteristics at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months, including estimates of proteinuria and of the glomerular filtration rate using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula. RESULTS: The mean age of the donors was 63.54 years and of the recipients, 58.38 years. A creatinine clearance below the median (40 mL/min, interquartile range 32-50 mL/min) in the first posttransplant year was significantly associated with worse death-censored graft survival (log-rank 14.22, P<.0001). A proteinuria value above the median (100 mg/24 h, interquartile range 40-275 mg/24 h) at 1 year posttransplant significantly reduced the death-censored graft survival (log-rank 14.3, P<.0001). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that a creatinine clearance<40 mL/min in the first year (hazards ratio [HR] 5.7, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.62-20.37; P=.007) and proteinuria at 1 year greater tan 100 mg/24 h (HR 8.3, 95% CI 2.15-32.06; P=.002) were independent risk factors for death-censored graft loss after adjusting for donor age and acute rejection episodes. CONCLUSIONS: Limited renal function and/or low proteinuria at 1 year posttransplant were associated with worse kidney graft survival among recipients of kidneys from ECDS.

Utilidad de la tomografía de coherencia óptica en el diagnóstico de la dislocación a cavidad vítrea de un quiste iridociliar / Usefulness of optical coherence tomography in the diagnosis of the vitreous cavity dislocated by an iridociliary cyst

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Papel de la diálisis peritoneal en el tratamiento de la ascitis / The role of peritoneal dialysis in the treatment of ascites

La cirrosis representa un estadio avanzado de la fibrosis hepática y conlleva a una alta morbimortalidad cuya complicación más frecuente es la ascitis. Una minoría de pacientes con cirrosis avanzada tiene «ascitis refractaria» y no responden al tratamiento convencional. La paracentesis evacuadoras de repetición se consideran el tratamiento de elección en estos casos. Una gran parte de estos pacientes presentan asociada una enfermedad renal crónica (ERC), que puede precisar de tratamiento renal sustitutivo (TRS). Debido a las complicaciones asociadas a la enfermedad hepática de alteraciones de la coagulación y tendencia espontánea a la hipotensión arterial plantea problemas de cara al TRS, especialmente derivados de la hemodiálisis (HD). En este sentido la diálisis peritoneal (DP) ofrece varias ventajas respecto a la HD en pacientes con cirrosis, con o sin ascitis debido a su mejor tolerancia hemodinámica por ser un técnica continua y lenta, con baja tasa de complicaciones infecciosas y hemorrágicas (AU)

Cirrhosis represents a late stage of hepatic fibrosis and leads to high morbidity and mortality, and the most frequent complication is ascites. Only a few patients with advanced cirrhosis have 'refractory ascites' and do not respond to conventional treatment. Repeated paracentesis for evacuation is considered the treatment of choice in these cases. A large proportion of these patients have associated chronic kidney disease (CKD), which may require renal replacement therapy (RRT). Due to the complications associated with liver disease with coagulation disorders and tendencies towards spontaneous hypotension, there are significant problems associated to RRT, especially haemodialysis (HD). On the contrary, peritoneal dialysis (PD) offers several advantages over HD in cirrhotic patients (with or without ascites) thanks to better haemodynamic tolerance, as it is a continuous and slow technique. Furthermore, PD has a low rate of infection and bleeding (AU)

Experiencia del Hospital Universitario de Canarias con pacientes tratados con plasmaféresis / Patients treated with plasmapheresis: a case review from University Hospital of the Canary Islands

Introducción: La plasmaféresis (PF) es una técnica de aféresis terapéutica utilizada en el tratamiento de diversas enfermedades renales y sistémicas con distintos grados de eficacia clínica demostrada. Objetivo: Analizar los resultados globales de la indicación de PF en el Hospital Universitario de Canarias, enfocados a resultados de su efectividad y seguridad en diversos grupos de enfermedades. Material y métodos: Se trata de un análisis descriptivo retrospectivo de una serie de casos que analiza los resultados de la indicación de PF desde el uno de enero de 2006 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2009 en nuestro centro. Se revisaron las historias clínicas y se recogieron datos demográficas (sexo y edad), parámetros bioquímicos, enfermedad de base, volumen y tipo de reposición utilizado en la sesión de PF (albúmina humana al 5% y/o plasma fresco congelado), complicaciones asociadas con la técnica, días transcurridos desde la sospecha clínica diagnóstica hasta el inicio de la técnica de aféresis, número de sesiones de PF recibidas, mortalidad del paciente, grado de afectación renal y evolución de la función renal. Resultados: Estudiamos a 51 pacientes, de 50 ± 18 años, el 60% eran hombres, 331 sesiones de PF. Las enfermedades tratadas se agruparon como: 11 vasculitis, 15 inmunoactivaciones del trasplante renal, cinco síndromes hemolítico urémicos, siete casos de púrpura trombótica trombocitopénica o idiopática, dos inmunizaciones Rh fetal, dos enfermedades hematológicas y cuatro casos de enfermedades neurológicas, entre otras. La mortalidad global fue del 19,6 % (n = 10); en seis de los casos, secundaria a shock séptico y en el resto como resultado de la evolución de la enfermedad de base y uno por shock hemorrágico en el área de la biopsia renal. No hubo fallecimientos en el grupo de inmunoactivación del trasplante. En el grupo de vasculitis se produjeron tres fallecimientos (dos de ellos secundarios a un shock séptico). Nueve de los 10 pacientes que fallecieron lo hicieron dentro de los tres primeros meses tras el diagnóstico. De las 26 biopsias renales realizadas, las indicaciones más frecuentes fueron: vasculitis (23%), rechazos humorales (42%), rechazo humoral más toxicidad por anticalcineurínicos (12%) y síndrome hemolítico-urémico (8%), entre otros. Veinticuatro pacientes precisaron hemodiálisis al inicio del cuadro clínico, nueve de los 11 pacientes con vasculitis, cuatro de los cinco pacientes con síndrome hemolítico-urémico y cinco de los 15 pacientes con inmunoactivación del trasplante. Al final de la evolución, 14 de ellos permanecieron en programa de hemodiálisis. Concretamente, cinco de 11 pacientes con vasculitis, dos de 15 pacientes sometidos a trasplante y tres de cinco pacientes con síndrome hemolítico-urémico. De forma significativa, los pacientes que evolucionaron hacia enfermedad renal terminal en el grupo de las vasculitis eran de mayor edad y tenían una mayor creatinina en el comienzo de la enfermedad. En los pacientes sometidos a trasplante en quienes se monitorizaron anticuerpos anti-HLA de clases I o II medidos por luminex pre y post-PF se objetivó una media de descenso del título de anticuerpos en todos excepto en un caso; el descenso medio fue del 51 al 31%. En general, la técnica de PF transcurrió prácticamente libre de complicaciones. Se constataron cinco reacciones al plasma fresco (3%) de carácter leve-moderado (hormigueo peribucal y reacciones urticariformes) que requirieron premedicación con esteroides y no supusieron la interrupción del tratamiento. Conclusión: Teniendo en cuenta la gran variedad de enfermedades que pueden beneficiarse de la PF y el carácter esporádico de algunas de ellas, la publicación de la experiencia con esta modalidad terapéutica cobra gran importancia, ya que si incrementamos la descripción de series de casos por centros, podemos ayudar a ampliar el nivel de evidencia en términos de supervivencia y función renal en múltiples patologías infrecuentes. Nuestro estudio aporta una información útil y valiosa para la práctica clínica habitual y, sin duda, nos hace reflexionar sobre estrategias futuras que optimicen el pronóstico en nuestros enfermos (AU)

Introduction: Plasmapheresis (PP) is a therapeutic apheresis technique used in the treatment of various renal and systemic diseases with varying degrees of proven clinical efficacy. Objective: To review our experience with PP at the Hospital Universitario de Canarias, focused on effectiveness and safety results in different disease groups. Material and methods: A retrospective-descriptive study of patients treated with PP from 01/01/2006 to 31/12/2009 at the hospital. We analysed medical histories and demographic data (sex, age), biochemical parameters, underlying disease, volume and type of replacement used in the PP sessions (5% human albumin and/or fresh frozen plasma), complications with the technique, delay in starting PP treatment after suspected clinical diagnosis, number of PP sessions received, patient mortality, degree of renal impairment and evolution of renal function. Results: There were 51 patients studied, aged 50±18 years, of whom 60% were male; 331 PP sessions were performed. The diseases treated were grouped as: 11 vasculitis, 15 transplant immune activation, 5 haemolytic-uraemic syndrome (HUS), 7 idiopathic or thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura, 2 foetal Rh immunisations, 2 haematological diseases, 4 neurological diseases, among others. Overall mortality was 19.6% (n=10): 6 cases secondary to septic shock and the rest as a result of the evolution of the underlying disease, with 1 due to haemorrhagic shock in the renal biopsy area. There were no deaths in the transplant immune activation group. In the vasculitis group, there were 3 deaths (2 secondary to septic shock). Of the 10 patients who died, 9 did so within the first three months after diagnosis. Of the 26 renal biopsies performed, the most frequent indications were: vasculitis (23%), humoral rejection (42%), humoral rejection with calcineurin-inhibitor toxicity (12%) and HUS (8%), among others. Haemodialysis (HD) was required by 24 patients at the start of clinical symptoms: 9 of the 11 patients with vasculitis, 4 of the 5 patients with HUS and 5 of the 15 patients with transplant immune activation. At the end of evolution, 14 of them remained on the HD programme: 5 of the 11 patients with vasculitis, 2 of the 15 transplant patients and 3 of the 5 HUS patients. Significantly, patients who developed end kiney disease (EKD) in the vasculitis group were older and had higher creatinine at the onset of the disease. The transplant patients were monitored for anti-HLA class I or II before and after PP; there was a mean decrease of antibody titres in all but one patient; with an average decrease of 51% to 31%. In general, the PP technique was virtually free of complications. There were only 5 (3%) mild-moderate reactions to fresh plasma (perioral tingling and urticarial reactions) requiring pre-medication with steroids, but which did not lead to discontinuation of the treatment. Conclusion: Taking into account the wide variety of diseases that can benefit from PP and the nature of some of them, publishing our experience with this therapeutic method is of great importance. By increasing the description of case series by centre, we can add survival and renal function evidence in many uncommon diseases. Our study provides useful information for clinical practice and has also led us to reflect on future strategies to optimise outcomes in our patients (AU)