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.
Complications can occur in the process, immediately after or days after. One of these complications is rejection of the new blood. If the patient has reacted in previous procedures, the doctor is required to give medications that prevent allergy prior to performing the exchange. Another common complication is infection which can be minimized by keeping the process as sterile as possible.
There is also a possibility of clotting as the blood leaves the internal ideal environment of the body. To counter this, a product called sodium citrate is given as an infusion during the period when blood is running through the tubing. Sodium citrate binds to calcium in blood thus preventing clots since calcium is the key ingredient for clot formation. However, while solving one problem, another is created, low calcium levels in blood(hypocalcemia).
Functionality of key systems in the body may be put at risk if hypocalcemia is not reversed in a timely manner. It can present with numbness, tingling and convulsions. Worse cases may present with respiratory distress (due to spasms in the respiratory tract) and difficulty in swallowing (due to uncontrolled muscle contractions). Management is by infusion of fluids containing calcium.
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.
Complications can occur in the process, immediately after or days after. One of these complications is rejection of the new blood. If the patient has reacted in previous procedures, the doctor is required to give medications that prevent allergy prior to performing the exchange. Another common complication is infection which can be minimized by keeping the process as sterile as possible.
There is also a possibility of clotting as the blood leaves the internal ideal environment of the body. To counter this, a product called sodium citrate is given as an infusion during the period when blood is running through the tubing. Sodium citrate binds to calcium in blood thus preventing clots since calcium is the key ingredient for clot formation. However, while solving one problem, another is created, low calcium levels in blood(hypocalcemia).
Functionality of key systems in the body may be put at risk if hypocalcemia is not reversed in a timely manner. It can present with numbness, tingling and convulsions. Worse cases may present with respiratory distress (due to spasms in the respiratory tract) and difficulty in swallowing (due to uncontrolled muscle contractions). Management is by infusion of fluids containing calcium.
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.
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