Published in:
01-06-2007 | Brief Report
Long-term efficacy of low-density lipoprotein apheresis for focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis
Authors:
Yukihiko Kawasaki, Sigeo Suzuki, Ayumi Matsumoto, Kei Takano, Kazuhide Suyama, Koichi Hashimoto, Junzo Suzuki, Hitoshi Suzuki, Mitsuaki Hosoya
Published in:
Pediatric Nephrology
|
Issue 6/2007
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Abstract
Recently, there have been reports on the efficacy of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis (LDL-A) for focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in pediatric patients. However, there have been few reports on the long-term efficacy of LDL-A for FSGS in such patients. We report here a case of long-term efficacy of LDL-A for FSGS. The patient was a 13-year-old boy with FSGS who presented with steroid-resistant and cyclosporine-resistant nephrotic syndrome and hyperlipidemia. LDL-A was performed 24 times on one year. Following LDL-A, serum concentrations of LDL, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), apoprotein B, and vascular endothelial growth factor significantly decreased, and urinary excretion of protein also decreased. In addition, 3 years after LDL-A, the pathology findings on a second renal biopsy had improved. The patient has been in remission from FSGS for 12 years since LDL-A. These findings suggest that LDL-A may be useful in maintaining long-term remission from pediatric FSGS.