Plasmapheresis

Plasmapheresis is a medical procedure that involves the removal, treatment, and return or exchange of blood plasma or components thereof from and to the blood circulation. It is thus an extracorporeal therapy (a medical procedure performed outside the body).

Procedure

Plasmapheresis is performed by removing blood from the body and separating the blood cells from the plasma. The blood cells are then returned to the body while the plasma, which contains the disease-causing substance, is discarded and replaced with other fluids. Medication to prevent clotting (an anticoagulant) is given to the patient during the procedure.

Uses

Plasmapheresis is used to treat a variety of autoimmune disorders, including myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. It is also used in the treatment of severe forms of multiple sclerosis with rapidly worsening symptoms, and in cases of Goodpasture's syndrome.

Risks

As with any medical procedure, there are risks associated with plasmapheresis. These can include changes in blood pressure, allergic reactions, and in rare cases, bleeding from the site where the needles were inserted.

See also

• Apheresis
• Blood donation
• Blood transfusion
• Immunoadsorption

References

Plasmapheresis Resources
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