For a long time, patients with certain blood condition have continued to suffer with very little available to sooth their pain. With new discoveries in the medical field, these patients are now able to manage their lives while grappling with their conditions. Among the advances that have come in handy is plasma exchange therapy (plasmapheresis). In this treatment modality, human blood is transferred to an external machine responsible for centrifugation and cleansing after which the modified form is taken back to the body.
Plasma exchange is one of the procedures that can done on an outpatient basis. It does not require anesthesia unless access is via a central line, in which case local anesthesia is sufficient. A central line refers to the use of larger veins such as those in the neck and around the shoulder to gain access to the venous system. This approach is indicated when the doctor is unable to cannulate the commonly used peripheral veins for one reason or another. Maintaining adequate hydration before and throughout the entire process is key.
Plasma is targeted in this therapy because it contains proteins that constantly cause harm to other tissues in the body in the presence of disease. Some of the illnesses in which these harmful reactions are depicted include myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, hemolytic uremic syndrome and thrombocytopenic purpura. In the treatment of multiple sclerosis, plasma exchange is only used when alternative treatments are unsuccessful.
Like any other procedure, certain risks are associated with plasmapheresis. Some patients may reject the new plasma due to allergic reactions. The patient is often given certain drugs before performing the procedure to prevent an allergic reaction, if they are known to have history of the same. The blood can get infected if sterile conditions are not observed.
Another typical complication is the formation of clots once the blood leaves the body. This does not routinely occur because of the strict measures put in place. Sodium citrate, given as an infusion, binds calcium, the element needed for clots to form. Unfortunately, this puts the patient at risk of hypocalcemia (low levels of calcium in blood).
The doctor will closely monitor you for any signs of hypocalcemia and give a timely intervention because of the life threatening complications associated with it. Hypocalcemia is usually managed by infusing the affected individual with calcium to return it to normal levels. Some of the possible signs include paresthesia, loss of sensation, jerky movements and seizures. One may also display irritability, bronchospasms and swallowing difficulties.
An average of three hours is needed for a single session. Only two or three session are required in one week. At least two weeks are needed for one to complete a cycle of plasmapheresis. The patient is expected to be nursed for weeks or even months. A new cycle can resume if and when the illnesses manifests again.
In conclusion, it is important to note that plasma exchange may not provide a permanent cure for disease. As a matter of fact, it is only ideal for symptomatic treatment and for those who can afford it. Otherwise, the primary treatment should be continued alongside the therapy.
Plasma exchange is one of the procedures that can done on an outpatient basis. It does not require anesthesia unless access is via a central line, in which case local anesthesia is sufficient. A central line refers to the use of larger veins such as those in the neck and around the shoulder to gain access to the venous system. This approach is indicated when the doctor is unable to cannulate the commonly used peripheral veins for one reason or another. Maintaining adequate hydration before and throughout the entire process is key.
Plasma is targeted in this therapy because it contains proteins that constantly cause harm to other tissues in the body in the presence of disease. Some of the illnesses in which these harmful reactions are depicted include myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, hemolytic uremic syndrome and thrombocytopenic purpura. In the treatment of multiple sclerosis, plasma exchange is only used when alternative treatments are unsuccessful.
Like any other procedure, certain risks are associated with plasmapheresis. Some patients may reject the new plasma due to allergic reactions. The patient is often given certain drugs before performing the procedure to prevent an allergic reaction, if they are known to have history of the same. The blood can get infected if sterile conditions are not observed.
Another typical complication is the formation of clots once the blood leaves the body. This does not routinely occur because of the strict measures put in place. Sodium citrate, given as an infusion, binds calcium, the element needed for clots to form. Unfortunately, this puts the patient at risk of hypocalcemia (low levels of calcium in blood).
The doctor will closely monitor you for any signs of hypocalcemia and give a timely intervention because of the life threatening complications associated with it. Hypocalcemia is usually managed by infusing the affected individual with calcium to return it to normal levels. Some of the possible signs include paresthesia, loss of sensation, jerky movements and seizures. One may also display irritability, bronchospasms and swallowing difficulties.
An average of three hours is needed for a single session. Only two or three session are required in one week. At least two weeks are needed for one to complete a cycle of plasmapheresis. The patient is expected to be nursed for weeks or even months. A new cycle can resume if and when the illnesses manifests again.
In conclusion, it is important to note that plasma exchange may not provide a permanent cure for disease. As a matter of fact, it is only ideal for symptomatic treatment and for those who can afford it. Otherwise, the primary treatment should be continued alongside the therapy.
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You can find an overview of the benefits you get when you use plasma exchange therapy services at http://www.youngbloodinstitute.org/aging--blood.html right now.