Effects of therapeutic plasma exchange on a cohort of patients with severe coronavirus infection: real world evidence from Brazil

ABSTRACT Introduction: The therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) controls the systemic cytokine level and might improve the immune response in patients with severe Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. To date, in developing countries, no study has explored the effectiveness and risk factors in a population with severe COVID-19 exposed to the TPE. Method: We described the risk factors associated with survival rates higher than 28 days and length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU) shorter than 15 days. Severe COVID-19 cases treated with TPE were included, from August 2020 to June 2021. Survival analysis with Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to assess patient-related factors that could predict a higher survival rate and the ICU LOS. Results: A total of 99 patients with severe COVID-19 who had received TPE were followed during their hospital stay and for 28 days after discharge. The sample was composed of men (63%) aged 56 ± 16 years. The overall survival rate at 28 days was 80%. The ICU LOS (p = 0.0165) and mechanical ventilation (MV) (p = 0.00008) were considered factors that could increase the risk of death. Patient-related factors that influenced the 28-day mortality were the smoking status (OR = 5.8; 95%CI 1.5, 22) and history of oncologic or non-malignant hematologic diseases (OR = 5.9; 95%CI 1.2, 29). Conclusion: Patients with severe COVID-19 exposed to the TPE were associated with a 20% risk of death in a 28-day observation window, appearing to be lower than previous treatments. Active smoking, cancer and immunosuppressive conditions should be considered as relevant variables to be controlled in future trials on the TPE and COVID-19.

Triglyceride-controlling during acute phase of hypertriglyceridemia induced pancreatitis / 中华消化外科杂志

Triglyceride-controlling is an important treatment for hypertriglyceridemia induced pancreatitis in acute phase. At present, there is no unified recommendation of acute pan-creatitis guidelines for triglyceride-controlling at home and abroad, leading to confusion in clinical treatment. Combined with the relevant literatures and current researches, the authors summarize the principles, commonly used methods, status quo, and our recommendations for triglyceride-controlling of acute hypertriglyceridemia induced pancreatitis, aiming to provide theoretical guidance for the standardized treatment of hypertriglyceridemia induced pancreatitis in the acute phase.

Analysis of therapeutic plasma exchange combined with continuous venovenous hemofiltration in the treatment of children with severe sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic potential of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) combined with continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) in the treatment of children with severe sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).Methods:It was a prospective randomized controlled study (RCT) involving 70 children with severe sepsis and MODS admitted to Anyang Maternal and Child Health Hospital from February 2019 to February 2023.According to random number table method, they were randomly divided into combination group (35 cases) and CVVH group (35 cases). Patients in the CVVH group were treated with CVVH alone, and those in the combination group were treated with TPE combined with CVVH.The antibiotic use time of the two groups was recorded and compared by the t test.The prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), partial prothrombin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB), and serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and soluble receptor (sFLT) levels before treatment and 48 h and 72 h after treatment were compared by the repeated measurement ANOVA for the overall comparison at multiple time points, and LSD- t test for pair-wise comparison.The 28-day survival of the two groups was recorded and compared by the Chi- square test. Results:The PT, TT and APTT at 48 h and 72 h after treatment were significantly lower in the combination group than those of CVVH group (all P<0.05). The FIB at 48 h[(2.15±0.42) g/L vs.(1.84±0.31) g/L]and 72 h after treatment [(2.89±0.27) g/L vs.(2.49±0.20) g/L]were significantly higher in the combination group than those of CVVH group (all P<0.05). The duration of antibiotic use in the combination group was significantly shorter than that of CVVH group [(11.33±1.16) d vs.(13.54±1.92) d, t=5.828, P<0.05]. Serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α at 48 h and 72 h were significantly lower in the combination group than those of CVVH group (all P<0.05). Serum levels of HMGB1, TLR4 and sFLT at 48 h and 72 h were significantly lower in the combination group than those of CVVH group (all P<0.05). The 28-day survival of the combination group was significantly higher than that of CVVH group (94.29% vs.77.14%, χ2=4.200, P=0.040). Conclusions:TPE combined with CVVH can improve the coagulation function and inflammatory factor levels in children with severe sepsis and MODS, which may achieve therapeutic objectives by regulating the levels of HMGB1, TLR4 and sFLT, and improve the short-term prognosis.

Chimeric antigen receptor T-associated cytokines release syndrome managed by therapeutic plasma exchange and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors: a case report / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To learn more about the role of therapeutic plasma exchange in the management of cytokines release syndrome(CRS) after chimeric antigen receptor T(CAR-T) infusion by reviewing and analyzing the diagnosis and treatment of one case. 【Methods】 The diagnosis and treatment of lymphoma patients with CAR-T infusion related CRS were described, and case analysis was carried out by searching PubMed, Elsevier, Wiley, CNKI, and other databases for relevant guidelines, clinical trials, and case reports. 【Results】 The patient was diagnosed with follicular cell lymphoma. Progressive disease(PD) was assessed after multiple courses of treatment, and anti-CD19/20 CAR-T cell therapy was administered.The patient developed a high fever and chills, secondary dyspnea and hypotension at night on the day of infusion, and the inflammatory factors such as C-reactive protein(CRP) and interleukin-6(IL-6) increased sharply, suggesting the occurrence of cytokines release syndrome(CRS). After the patient was given symptomatic antipyretic, broad-spectrum anti-infection, tumor necrosis factor(TNF) antibody and three occasions of plasma exchange, the clinical manifestations of CRS gradually relieved. Three months after discharge, the patient was in complete response(CR). 【Conclusion】 CAR-T-associated CRS is a serious cellular immunotherapy-related toxicity that can result in multiple organ failure or even death in patients. Therapeutic plasma exchange may be a potential treatment for some patients with severe CRS.

Severe Streptococcus pneumoniae-associated red blood cell T-polyagglutination and plasma exchange strategy / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To identify and propose blood transfusion suggestions for 3 children suspected to have red blood cell T polyagglutination. 【Methods】 According to the RBC reactions with phytohemagglutinin, adult serum and cord blood serum, aggregation test with polybrene reagent and MN antigen phenotype test were carried out on 3 children to confirm the presence of T polyagglutination. The donor serum with negative or weak reactions was selected by minor cross matching for the 3 children who needed therapeutic plasma exchange(TPE). 【Results】 Three cases of RBC T polyagglutination were caused by bacterial infection, with transient appearance of MN antigen; the samples were reactive to peanut agglutinin, soybean agglutinin, adult serum but nonreactive to cord blood serum, and didn′t aggregate after adding polybrene reagent. After receiving timely TPE, the T polyagglutination gradually disappeared. 【Conclusion】 Some bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, may cause polyagglutination of red blood cells. The patients with suspected T polyagglutination should be diagnosed in time. For T polyagglutination patients, the minor matched plasma should be used for avoiding the random plasma with anti-T antibody transfusion.

Therapeutic plasma exchange as a treatment for Central Pontine Myelinolysis in a 41-year-Old male with Chronic Renal Insufficiency: A case report

@#Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been reported as a possible treatment for osmotic demyelination syndrome – central pontine myelinolysis (ODS-CPM), a degeneration of myelin within the central nervous system related to rapid hyponatremia correction, which though uncommon, has significant morbidity, and has no established specific treatment. We present our experience with a 41-year-old male with chronic kidney disease, maintained on steroids, who presented with lethargy and behavioral changes. Initial metabolic panel showed severe hyponatremia (Na 109 mEq/L). Despite cautious sodium correction, the patient’s sensorium decreased further and was intubated. Involuntary movements of the left face and arm were later seen. T2/FLAIR hyperintensities in the brainstem and thalami affirmed the diagnosis of ODS. A total of nine cycles (one cycle every two to three days) of TPE were completed. The patient was discharged with improved sensorium, from E2VxM4 to E4VxM6, and with no indication for hemodialysis due to improved creatinine. One year later, the patient has no remaining neurologic deficits. Our experience supports other case reports that TPE is a viable therapy for ODS-CPM.

Hipertrigliceridemia severa durante el embarazo

Resumen: Durante el embarazo se producen cambios a nivel de la concentración de los lípidos debido a cambios fisiológicos con el fin de favorecer una adecuada nutrición fetal, estos cambios rara vez tienen consecuencias clínicas. Se presenta el caso clínico de una gestante que a las 31 semanas de edad gestacional se le diagnostica un estado hipertensivo del embarazo, constatándose hipertrigliceridemia severa con alto riesgo de pancreatitis. Se realizó recambio plasmático terapéutico y gemfibrozilo, con buena respuesta clínica.

Abstract: During pregnancy, changes occur at the level of lipid concentration due to physiological changes in order to promote adequate fetal nutrition, these changes rarely have clinical consequences. The clinical case of a pregnant woman is presented who at 31 weeks of gestational age is diagnosed with a hypertensive state of pregnancy, confirming severe hypertriglyceridemia with a high risk of pancreatitis. Therapeutic plasma exchange and gemfibrozil were performed, with a good clinical response.

Resumo: Durante a gravidez ocorrem alterações ao nível da concentração de lípidos devido a alterações fisiológicas de forma a promover uma nutrição fetal adequada, estas alterações raramente têm consequências clínicas. Apresenta-se o caso clínico de uma grávida que às 31 semanas de idade gestacional é diagnosticada com estado hipertensivo da gravidez, confirmando hipertrigliceridemia grave com elevado risco de pancreatite. Foi realizada plasmaférese terapêutica e gemfibrozil, com boa resposta clínica.

Levofloxacin-induced acute hemolytic anemia: A clinical case report / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To study the clinical characteristics and treatment of patients with acute hemolytic anemia crisis induced by levofloxacin. 【Methods】 The levofloxacin antibody was detected by the microcolumn gel method and scored by the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale(APS). Patients suffered from acute hemolysis anemia induced by levofloxacin was rescued by whole blood exchange(WBE) and therapeutic plasma exchange(TPE). 【Results】 The patient was diagnosed as acute hemolysis induced by levofloxacin as levofloxacin antibody was yielded, and 7 points scored by the Naranjo APS. After WBE and TPE treatment, the patient′s clinical symptoms and signs improved rapidly. Supplemented with immunoglobulin and hormone therapy, the patient was discharged on d 10 after treatment. 【Conclusion】 Levofloxacin can induce acute hemolytic anemia crisis, and WBE and TPR are effective rescue methods.

Application process of therapeutic plasma exchange for neurological diseases in Blood Transfusion Department / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To standardize the application process of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in Blood Transfusion Departments for neurological diseases. 【Methods】 Working procedures of 2 785 TPE sessions in 617 patients with neurological diseases, from January 2019 to May 2021, were analyzed and summarized. The experiences and methods during TPE, druing patient evaluation, protocol formulation and implementation, and the management of adverse reaction during or at the end of TPE were summarized to optimize the application process of each link. 【Results】 A systematic application process could standardize the responsibilities of blood transfusion physicians and neurologists in indication, adverse reaction and treatment program. During the TPE treatment, different degrees of adverse reactions were handled in time, providing a reliable guarantee for patient safety. 【Conclusion】 Standardized application process, as the basis for TPE implementation in neurologic diseases, is the premise of safety treatment for patients.

Effect of therapeutic plasma exchange on myasthenia gravis patients in children / 中国小儿急救医学

Objective:To investigate the effects of therapeutic plasma exchange(TPE)as adjuvant therapy in children with myasthenia gravis(MG)in pediatric intensive care unit(PICU).Methods:A retrospective study was conducted in 7 children with MG admitted to PICU at Shanghai Children′s Hospital from January 2016 to December 2019.TPE was performed on unsatisfactory effect of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, glucocorticoids or IVIG.The TPE dose was 50-70 mL/kg for 2 to 3 times for each case.The clinical symptoms, anti-acetylcholine antibody(AChR-Ab)level and prognosis were measured before and after TPE.Results:Seven children with myasthenia gravis admitted to PICU from January 2016 to December 2019, including 4 cases of systemic myasthenia gravis(1 case of myasthenia crisis with respiratory failure)and 3 cases of ocular myasthenia gravis.The AChR-Ab level decreased from 1.66(0.99, 3.33)nmol/L before TPE to 0.66(0.40, 10.97)nmol/L after TPE( Z=-2.545, P=0.011). The symptoms of muscle weakness and blepharoptosis were partially or completely relieved in 7 cases.There were no significantly changes in the levels of circulating immune complex, complement C3, CD4 + , CD8 + and NK cells before and after TPE(all P>0.05). During the process of TPE, 2 cases had mild rash, and 1 case had hypotensive shock, which were recovered after timely treatment.After TPE, the fibrin levelsdecreased from 1.90(1.40, 2.40)g/L to 1.10(1.00, 1.30)g/L( Z=-3.092, P=0.002). Conclusion:TPE reduce the AChR-Ab levels and improve the short-term symptoms in children with myasthenia gravis who have failed conventional treatment.TPE may be an optional therapy for pediatric severe MG.

Effectiveness and safety of Therapeutic Plasma exchange as an adjunctive treatment for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients: A systematic review

Rationale@#COVID-19 is a new, rapidly emerging zoonotic infectious disease. Addressing the cytokine storm and coagulopathy associated with this disease can minimize its severity and complications. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) can be potentially used to remove these deleterious cytokines and procoagulant proteins.@*Objective@#This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of TPE as an adjunctive treatment for COVID-19 patients.@*Research Design and Methodology@#A systematic search of databases was conducted utilizing PubMed and Cochrane databases to identify relevant literature until December 31, 2020. All publications were included if they use TPE in COVID- 19 patients. The exclusion was applied in publications written in language other than English, review papers, or on-going clinical trials. No restrictions on age, sex, or clinical setting were applied. The eligible studies were reviewed in full text independently by two authors. Methodological quality and risk of bias assessment were done. The findings from the individual studies were summarized.@*Results@#A total of 21 studies were included. Overall risk of bias was high within and across the studies. All studies reported marked improvement of clinical status and laboratory results after receiving the TPE. The use of TPE among COVID-19 patients resulted in no serious or life-threatening adverse events.@*Conclusion@#The available studies on the use of TPE for COVID-19 patients is still limited and evidence is of low certainty. However, based on the available data, it has an encouraging result to be used as effective and safe adjunctive treatment in COVID-19 patients.

Effects of therapeutic plasma exchange on liver function test and coagulation parameters in acute liver failure patients

ABSTRACT Background: Currently the treatment of choice for critical liver failure is liver transplantation. Liver failure is treated conservatively until a matching liver donor becomes available. The therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) plays an important role as a bridge to transplantation by removing accumulated toxins from patient plasma, as well as restoring the coagulation profile. Method: This was a retrospective study on critically ill liver disease patients who underwent TPE from January 2012 to September 2015. The data were collected for the analyses of coagulation parameters, liver function tests, renal function tests, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores, mortality, and hospital stay. Results: In the study duration, a total of 45 patients with critical liver disease underwent therapeutic plasma exchange. The TPE resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the bilirubin level, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), serum ferritin level and MELD scores. Higher MELD scores in both pre- and post-TPE were associated with higher mortality during the hospital stay. Conclusion: The TPE is safe and well-tolerated, and it improves coagulation profile and liver function tests in critically ill liver disease patients, but the overall survival remains low.

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in a Patient with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis

A 22-year old female patient with systemic lupus erythematosus presenting microangiopathic hemolytic anemia was treated with therapeutic plasma exchange 23 times. The patient's condition and laboratory findings (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, ferritin, total bilirubin, and lactate dehydrogenase) did not improve despite the initial 18 therapeutic plasma exchange treatments. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura was ruled out due to normal ADAMTS-13 activity test result; hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis was diagnosed based on fever, splenomegaly, pancytopenia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperferritinemia, and hemophagocytosis in bone marrow aspiration. The patient's condition improved rapidly upon treatment with a combination of immunosuppressants and cytotoxic agents, and more therapeutic plasma exchanges were performed five consecutive times with prolonged intervals in between. We observed that therapeutic plasma exchange treatment alone was not effective enough to treat hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, unlike thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Therefore, it is necessary to determine and start drug administration promptly in the treatment of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis with thrombotic microangiopathy.

Risk Factors for Adverse Events of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Assessed in a Single Center Study / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is used to remove pathologic substances involved in various disease etiologies. The use of TPE is increasing steadily in a variety of disease. This study analyzed the incidence, type and severity of adverse events (AE) according to the initial TPE of each patient in a single center. The risk factors for AE of TPE were also elucidated. METHODS: The medical and laboratory records of patients, who received TPE from January 2014 to December 2018, were reviewed retrospectively. The signs or symptoms during and after TPE were analyzed. RESULTS: TPE sessions were performed on 95 patients. The mean age was 53.3 years and men comprised 63.2%. The most common indication for TPE was desensitization for ABO-incompatible liver transplantation (ABO-i LT) (N=56, 58.9%). A total of 27 patients (28.4%) experienced AE during the initial TPE. The types of AE were allergic reactions (N=14, 14.7%), anaphylactic reaction (N=3, 11.1%), hypotension (N=5, 5.3%), hypocalcemic reaction (N=4, 4.2%), and febrile nonhemolytic reaction (N=1, 1.1%). The severities of AE were evaluated as mild in eight procedures (8.4 %), moderate in seventeen (17.9 %), and severe in two (2.1 %). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the desensitization for ABO-i LT (odds ratio (OR), 2.08; 95% CI, 1.03~4.22) and the amount of FFP (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01~1.09) were associated with a higher incidence of AE. CONCLUSION: TPE can be performed under careful patient monitoring to provide prompt intervention, particularly in patients with desensitization of ABO-i LT using FFP.

Observation of therapeutic plasma exchange in the treatment of pediatric severe critical anti￣N￣methyl￣D￣aspartate receptor encephalitis / 中国小儿急救医学

Objective To investigate the features and incidence of severe anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor ( NMDAR) encephalitis in pediatric intensive care unit ( PICU) treated with therapeutic plasma exchange(TPE). Methods A retrospective study was conducted of children with severe anti NMDAR encephalitis admitted to PICU of Shanghai Children′s Hospital from July 2015 to June 2018. Demographic data,therapeutic regimens,clinical and laboratory data were analyzed. The one dose of replacement plasma was 50-70 ml/kg. The laboratory biomarkers, anti-NMDAR in serum and cerebrospinal fluid ( CSF) were measured before and after TPE treatment. Results Thirteen cases with anti-NMDAR encephalitis were analyzed. The main clinical features were seizures, unconsciousness, motor dysfunctions organ dysfunction included respiratory failure in 3 (23. 1%) patients and shock in 4 (30. 8%) cases. The average levels of PICU stays were[11. 0(5. 5,19. 0)] days. The conventional therapy included methylprednisolone,intrave-nous immunoglobulin (IVIG),antiepileptic,and immune-suppressants. Seven patients received conventional treatment,and 6 (46. 2%) cases combined TPE after unsatisfactory effect on 3 to 7 days conventional treat-ment. TPE dosage was 50-70 ml/kg body weight per times for 3-5 dosages. The Glasgow coma score(GCS) and pediatric risk of mortality Ⅲ( PRISM Ⅲ) of children after TPE treatment were signifcantly improved compared with those before TPE treatment[ GCS:7. 5(6. 0,9. 3) vs. 12. 5 (11. 5,13. 5),PRISM Ⅲ:15. 5 (9. 5,17. 5) vs. 11. 0(4. 5,12. 3),all P<0. 05]. The levels of anti-NMDAR antibody in both serum and CSF decreased significantly after TPE(all P<0. 05). Three cases (50. 0%) had anaphylaxis during TPE. Conclusion TPE could decease the levels of anti-NMDAR antibody in CSF and serum,improve psychiatric and neurologic symptoms. TPE may be a potential therapy in pediatric severe NMDAR encephalitis.

Application of blood purification in children with severe adenoviral disease / 中国小儿急救医学

Severe hypoxia respiratory failure or acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute renal injury, liver function disorder, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome caused by severe adenoviral disease have high mortality.Blood purification have become more widely available for acute renal injury, fluid overload, hyperlactacidemia, inflammatory reaction, coagulopathy and so on.The methods include renal replacement therapy(RRT) and therapeutic plasma exchange, usually combined with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The appropriate blood purification strategy has not been available.Based on experience of RRT in acute renal injury, liver dysfunction, currently continuous renal replacement therapy/RRT technologies are reasonable used by personalized decision-making.

Application of blood purification in children with severe adenoviral disease / 中国小儿急救医学

Severe hypoxia respiratory failure or acute respiratory distress syndrome,acute renal inju﹣ry,liver function disorder,and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome caused by severe adenoviral disease have high mortality. Blood purification have become more widely available for acute renal injury,fluid overload, hyperlactacidemia,inflammatory reaction, coagulopathy and so on. The methods include renal replacement therapy(RRT) and therapeutic plasma exchange,usually combined with extracorporeal membrane oxygena﹣tion (ECMO). The appropriate blood purification strategy has not been available. Based on experience of RRT in acute renal injury,liver dysfunction,currently continuous renal replacement therapy/RRT technologies are reasonable used by personalized decision﹣making.

A study on therapeutic plasma exchange using apheresis in treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome in a tertiary care teaching hospital

Background: Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is the separation and removal of plasma from whole blood with replacement by a crystalloid/colloid solution (typically albumin or plasma). The DGHS has established guidelines and recommendations for application of therapeutic apheresis in clinical practice. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is considered category I indications for TPE. This study was undertaken to establish the effectiveness and safety of therapeutic plasma exchange in GBS which is one of the common indication for TPE at our tertiary care teaching hospital.Methods: A retrospective study of 30 patients admitted to a tertiary care teaching hospital, from January 2014 to December 2016 with clinical signs of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and/or GBS variants were evaluated for performing TPE. A total of 104 procedures were performed for 30 patients. Replacement of crystalloids and plasma was used. Medical Research Council scale was used to assess the clinical improvement by measuring the grade of muscle power. Information was collected in a structured proforma and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 20). P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: During the study period, 104 procedures were performed on 30 patients on an average of three procedures per patient. The average age of the patients was 41.4±10.4 years. The mean period of illness at admission was 14.5±5.4 (range 4-32) days. In 23 out of 30 patients, more than three TPE procedures were done, out of which 21 patients clinically improved. The common complications during the procedure were chills (16%), hypotension (10%) and non-hemolytic febrile transfusion reaction (10%) and they were managed accordingly. Two (6.7%) patients who were not ambulatory at discharge had significantly (p <0.05) lower grade of power in lower limbs at admission and all patients recovered fully on follow up.Conclusions: GBS is one of the most commonly occurring clinical paralytic disorders. 76.7% of patients underwent three or more cycles of TPE with 70% had excellent clinical improvement which was comparable with various other studies. Based on results published by various other studies, therapeutic plasma exchange is a comparatively safe and effective procedure

A Choice and Precautions of Replacement Fluids for Therapeutic Plasma Exchange / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an effective and practical treatment for separation and removal of harmful antibodies or pathogenic substances from the blood. The volume of plasma removed must be replaced by a replacement fluid such as 4~5% albumin solution or Fresh frozen plasma (FFP). We conducted a study of coagulopathy using albumin solution and checked the chemical composition of fresh frozen plasma. METHODS: We measured pre- and post-TPE PT/aPTT for evaluation of the effect of albumin replacement on coagulation from 192 TPE sessions of 19 patients. We also investigated routine chemistry test items including glucose and electrolytes from 10 randomly selected FFP. RESULTS: The post PT and aPTT within four hours after TPE were prolonged due to a transient decrease in coagulation factors, but were normalized within 2 days after TPE. All coagulation time was corrected to the level of the pre-TPE status within four hours before the next TPE except the patients who received TPE 6 times or more. FFP showed higher level in glucose, sodium and inorganic phosphate. CONCLUSION: Albumin exchange produces temporary coagulation factor deficiency. However, this transient factor deficiency rarely causes clinical problems and the factors are rapidly corrected by redistribution and resynthesis. We should be careful about hypocalcemia, hyperglycemia, and hypernatremia when using FFP replacement.

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange for a Patient with Severe Cold Agglutinin Disease / 대한수혈학회지

Cold agglutinin disease is a kind of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, caused by cold agglutinin, serum autoantibodies activated at reduced body temperatures to produce red blood cell agglutination and hemolysis. In this paper we described a case of severe hemolytic anemia in a cold agglutinin disease patient treated with therapeutic plasma exchange. Therapeutic plasma exchanges were performed four times every other day. Over the same period, a total of 8 units of washed red blood cells were transfused. Then hemoglobin was increased from 4.0 g/dL to 7.8 g/dL. On the 12th hospital day hemoglobin level was decreased again to 4.2 g/dL and fludarabine chemotherapy was started on the 14th hospital day. The patient's symptoms were relieved and she was discharged on the 30th hospital day. As in this case, therapeutic plasma exchange could be considered as secondary therapy for temporary improvement of acute severe hemolytic anemia in cold agglutinin disease.