Does plasma exchange have a role in ANCA-associated vasculitis? Viewpoint 1: plasma exchange should not be used indiscriminately

ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease marked by varying organ involvement and outcomes. Plasma exchange, a method of removing native plasma and replacing it with crystalloid, albumin or donor plasma, can deplete autoantibodies and may help control autoimmune diseases rapidly. In AAV, several randomized controlled trials have been performed but, individually, had mixed results. The best data available, through …