FOR

patients

 

What is therapeutic plasma exchange?

Plasma refers to the liquid component of blood, comprising proteins, electrolytes, vitamins, hormones, and other substances. It does not include red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. Plasma exchange is a medical procedure where a machine separates and eliminates the patient's plasma, substituting it with a different fluid. The commonly employed replacement fluid is 5% human albumin, which is a solution of proteins. In certain situations, plasma donated by other individuals may be utilized. Various types of machines are available, with centrifuges being the most commonly used to separate the different components of blood. To prevent blood clotting during the treatment, a citrate-containing solution is employed.

risks & side effects

Plasma exchange is generally considered to be a safe procedure, although there is a possibility of experiencing side effects. Typical side effects may include fatigue, nausea, dizziness, cold sensation, tingling in the fingers and around the mouth, allergic reactions, and decreased blood pressure. It is crucial to promptly inform medical personnel if any of these symptoms arise during or after the treatment. Serious complications such as irregular heartbeat, seizures, electrolyte imbalances, and unexplained bleeding are exceptionally uncommon.

Duration?

The duration of a plasma exchange procedure can differ for each patient, but on average, it typically lasts around two hours.

reason for the procedure?

Plasma exchange is employed in cases where the objective is to eliminate disease-causing antibodies/proteins from a patient. These antibodies, which stem from an abnormal immune system, have the potential to target and harm healthy organs. Selectively removing only the disease-causing proteins is frequently not feasible. Thus, the removal of whole plasma becomes necessary for treating the illness.


NUMBER OF PROCEDURES THAT ARE REQUIRED?

The number of procedures required varies depending on the specific disease being treated. Certain diseases may necessitate a brief treatment regimen, while others may require a more extensive series of treatments. Patients are advised to consult their physician or the apheresis physician to obtain specific information regarding their condition and the recommended treatment plan.

 FAQs

  • Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) is a procedure in which the patient’s blood is passed through an apheresis machine, where the filtered plasma is removed and discarded with reinfusion of red blood cells along with replacement fluid (such as albumin) in to the patient.

  • Our doctors in Brisbane generally recommend a course of six treatments, spaced 4-6 weeks apart. We recommend coming booking a consultation with one of our doctors to assess how many treatments you require.

  • Ageing

    Alzheimer’s disease

    Long Covid

    Inflammatory peripheral neuropathies

    Acute Multiple Sclerosis

    Other Immune Diseases

  • If TPE is being used as a treatment for weakness or autoimmune disorder, relief may be felt in as little as a few days. For other conditions it might be weeks before any symptom changes are noticed. Our longevity patients report better sleep, increase energy, and increased focus. Those patients who monitor their progress with a smartwatch or other wearable have reported improved heart rate variability (HRV) and longer periods of restorative sleep.

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