Efficacy of Plasma Exchange and a Double-Plasma Molecular Absorption System for Treating Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Related Hepatitis

Abstract

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-related hepatitis has been increasing in the past decade. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of plasma exchange (PE) and a double-plasma molecular absorption system (DPMAS) for ICI-related hepatitis. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with ICI-related hepatitis treated at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (China). The collected data included biochemical indices, treatments, the use of an artificial liver support system (ALSS), and outcomes. Results: From June 2021 to January 2023, 16 patients were treated and included in the analysis. Eight patients in group A received general support. The other 8 patients in group B received general support, plus 3 rounds of ALSS every 2 - 4 days (4 patients were treated with PE and the others with DPMAS + PE). There was no significant difference in age and treatment days between the two groups. Before treatment, there was no significant difference in direct bilirubin (DBIL), glutamine transpeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), procalcitonin, the international normalized ratio (INR), model for end-stage liver disease scores, albumin, globulin, and hemocyte count between groups A and B (in all cases, P > 0.05). However, the total bilirubin (TBIL) of group B was significantly higher than that of group A (P = 0.029). After treatment, TBIL and DBIL were significantly decreased in group B (both P < 0.05), and group B had a significantly lower GGT (P = 0.028) and higher INR (P = 0.004) than group A. The ALP level of group B was also lower, but the difference was not significant (P = 0.068). No allergic reaction or severe adverse effect was observed. Conclusions: Both PE and DPMAS + PE can effectively improve ICI-related hepatitis within the short term and are more effective for patients with hyperbilirubinemia. Liver function should be monitored continuously during treatment.