Therapeutic plasmapheresis in clinical practice

Abstract

Plasmapheresis is a procedure which performed for appropriate indications contributes to the improvement of patients’ clinical condition and treatment prognosis. Plasmapheresis is also one of the therapy methods used in acute phases of autoimmune disorders. Hereby, the theoretical and practical possibilities offered by therapeutic plasma exchange in supportive treatment of various medical conditions are described. The article is based on the reports of procedures performed at the Department of Transfusion Medicine of the Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine in the period 2016–2017. It presents the mechanism of plasmapheresis, the methods used in everyday practice as well as the effect of the procedure on blood components and plasma. It also emphasizes the significant role of the nurse in the plasmapheresis procedure particularly in relation to possible complications and adverse reactions.