Tuesday, October 17, 2017

By Ann Scott


Plasma exchange is a procedure that involves the removal of the colorless fluid of the blood also known as blood plasma that contains harmful substances that can cause a condition which may threaten the life of an individual. The blood, however, is not returned to the patient, but only the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets that remain. A substitute is used to replace the plasma and functions in the same way as the plasma did. This procedure is useful in removing any abnormal substances contained in the fluid that may cause severe symptoms to the patient. In the case where such a condition has escalated, the Therapeutic Plasma Exchange should be performed.

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.

This procedure should only be done when there are no other alternatives available. There should be sufficient evidence showing that the symptoms being experienced are as a result of potential abnormalities occurring in the blood.

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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