Important Information Concerning Therapeutic Plasma Exchange

By Ann Scott


Plasma exchange involves a process where a colorless fluid that forms blood composition known as the plasma is removed. This is caused by the fact that it may contain harmful compounds and toxins that may be life-threatening. This means the fluid is sucked leaving behind the red, and white blood cells and platelets among other useful substances. Another fluid that has a similar functioning manner is introduced substituting the removed one. It is an effective way of removing harmful substances from your body that may result in dangerous effects. Therefore, when faced with blood toxic issues, therapeutic plasma exchange is the solution you should look for.

There are a variety of illnesses that can be treated through this procedure. The may be in the form of autoimmune or neurological illnesses that have infected the blood. Such diseases include but are not limited to Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura or TTP, typed of multiple sclerosis, acute pancreatitis, and Myasthenia gravis. This procedure prevents the condition from advancing further and allows the body to become more resistant.

The main procedure is done within a unique machine designed for this particular purpose. It works on the principle of separating the various blood components so as to effectively drain out the colorless fluid while causing no interference to the other parts. These procedures usually take a maximum of four hours to complete and should be done several times in order to ensure the complete removal of the fluid.

Blood is drawn from the veins of a patient through the insertion of an IV needle on both arms. The connection between the machine and the patient is the tubing. It is important that blood clots are prevented and therefore the medicinal substances commonly referred to as anticoagulants are added to the drawn blood to prevent it from forming clots.

The machine separates the colorless fluid and removes it. It is then substituted with either saline or albumin which are designed to function in the same ways as the plasma. It is however not as effective and may require additional calcium and potassium-containing substances. If possible the fluid should be replaced with one donated by another human.

However, this procedure is also risky in its own way. The first risk is that if the replacement comes from a donor whose antibodies are not compatible with yours, this may cause reactions that may result in conditions like anaphylaxis. On the other hand, in the case where saline or albumin is used, the body may become prone to health risks more as they do not contain enough proteins as compared to this fluid.

It is also concerned with causing conditions like hypertension and head related problems. That is why it is recommended to undergo the procedure in the case where this is the only option left. However, in order to make this decision, the symptoms observed should be convincing for the procedure.

Although there are some certain risks involved with opting to undertake the exchange, it has been proven to a safe and efficient method of dealing with harmful antibodies in the liquid part of the blood. Death is a very rare occurrence in these procedures making it be relatively safe. Other consequences that arise from the procedure can be dealt with through proper medications.




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