Therapeutic plasmapheresis and haemostatic system.

The influence of therapeutic plasmapheresis by using membrane filter was investigated in 38 patients with 108 procedures. Fibrinogen and AT III reached most pronounced reduced levels in the course of three plasma exchanges while factors II, V, X, Hepato-Quick, Reptilase time and thrombocyte count remained relatively unchanged. There was no bleeding or thrombotic event in the patients. We concluded that at least determination of fibrinogen and AT III levels must be done just prior to each individual plasmapheresis to prevent dangerous imbalances in haemostatic system.