A system and method for the treatment of kidney disease, either acute or chronic, in a mammal is disclosed. The method addresses the needs of a patient exhibiting fibrosis formation associated with levels of Gal-3 above normal. Removal of Gal-3 may make conventional treatments of kidney disease more effective, and help stabilize or improve the condition allowing avoidance of progression to end stage renal disease requiring hemodialysis or transplant. Depending on the condition of the patient, the treatment may help stabilize patients to avoid hemodialysis and allow the patient to wait until a transplant may be made available. A suitable patient is treated through apheresis where the patient's blood is withdrawn and ex vivo is treated to remove at least ten percent of Gal-3 from the withdrawn blood. Higher levels, and frequent repetition, may be needed to stabilize and/or improve kidney function in a patient sufficient for ongoing management.
