Removal of Basiliximab by plasmapheresis

Basiliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody directed against the alpha ch ain of interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptors, Given its expected volume of distrib ution (plasma volume), therapeutic plasmapheresis may be expected to lower serum Basiliximab levels. A 20 mg dose of Basiliximab was given before plas mapheresis, Blood and pheresis fluid samples were obtained to monitor Basil iximab levels. A total of three blood samples were drawn: the first was obt ained 4 hours before, the second sample immediately before commencement, an d the third 2 hours after cessation of plasmapheresis. A fourth sample was obtained from the removed plasma. There was an appreciable reduction in Bas iliximab concentration levels after plasmapheresis, From the change in seru m concentration after plasmapheresis, approximately 64.6% of circulating Ba siliximab was removed. Plasmapheresis removes substantial amounts of Basili ximab. Therefore, supplemental Basiliximab should be given after plasmapher esis to maintain the desired duration of IL-2R saturation. (C) 2001 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.