Reducing Fibrinogen and Factor XIII Using Double-Filtration Plasmapheresis for Antibody-Mediated Rejection: Predictive Models

Background/Aims: Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is related to circulating donor-specific anti-human leukocyte antigen alloantibodies (DSAs). DSAs can be removed by apheresis, for example, double-filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP). However, DFPP removes some clotting factors (fibrinogen and factor XIII [FXIII]). Methods: This was a prospective trial including 6 DSA-mediated AMR kidney transplant recipients. Patients received 2 cycles of 3–4 consecutive DFPP sessions followed by 1 injection of rituximab (break of 4–5 days between the 2 cycles). We monitored fibrinogen and FXIII levels before and after each session of DFPP. Results: Overall, fibrinogen and FXIII levels were significantly decreased after each session, and were significantly reduced between the very first and very last sessions. In addition, we established a model that predicted fibrinogen and FXIII values after each session and after 2 cycles. Conclusion: We established a model in order to predict fibrinogen and FXIII depletion after DFPP sessions; it may help clinicians supplement fibrinogen and/or FXIII when appropriate.