Comparison between effectiveness and safety of plasma therapy and complement inhibitors for the treatment of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of real-world data.

BACKGROUND

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare, potentially life-threatening condition; however, the evidence currently guiding therapeutic strategies remains inconsistent across countries.

OBJECTIVES

In this meta-analysis, we evaluated the effectiveness and safety of key therapeutic strategies, including plasma therapy (PT) and complement inhibitors (CIs), with the goal of informing treatment decision-making for aHUS in real-world settings.

DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched, without date or language restrictions.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Observational cohort studies examining the effectiveness and safety of PT and CIs in patients with aHUS were included.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS

METHODS

Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Target outcomes included initial treatment responsiveness (hematologic and renal remission) as well as progression and prognosis, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney failure, relapse, death, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Data were obtained from 106 observational cohort studies. No significant difference was observed between PT and CIs in terms of overall effectiveness or safety, with the exception of a lower relapse rate for CIs (0% vs. 15.5%, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed no significant differences between patients receiving CIs as first-line therapy, switching from PT to CIs, or receiving PT alone. In adults, no significant difference was observed between PT and CIs in terms of initial treatment response, prognosis, or safety. However, in children, CI therapy was associated with lower rates of CKD (24.6% vs. 56.6%, p < 0.001), relapse (6.2% vs. 25.5%, p = 0.02), and mortality (0.3% vs. 7.6%, p = 0.002) compared with PT. In patients with positive anti-complement factor H antibodies, CI therapy was associated with a higher rate of renal remission compared with PT (90% vs. 41.8%, p = 0.02), with no significant differences observed in any other outcomes. In patients with complement gene mutations, no significant differences in outcomes were observed between CIs and PT. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS: No significant difference was noted between PT and CIs in terms of overall effectiveness and safety, excluding a higher rate of relapse associated with PT. CI therapy appears to be a more favorable therapeutic option for pediatric patients.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD420251239582.