Advances in medicine have made it possible to manage certain conditions whose treatment posed a great challenge. Plasma exchange therapy, also known as plasmapheresis, is one of these advances. It involves getting rid of defective blood and replacing it with a functional one. In this procedure, entry to the system is accessed through a peripheral vein. A cannula connected to a catheter is inserted in to the vein. Once blood is drawn out, a special machine is used to separate the liquid part(plasma) from the cells. The cells are then mixed with new plasma and returned 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.
The relapsing type of multiple sclerosis is a typical example in which plasma exchange is utilized. However, the therapy only comes in handy when first line treatment options have failed. Other conditions that benefit from plasmapheresis include thrombocytopenic purpura, myasthenia gravis and hemolytic uremic syndrome. The essence of the procedure is to eliminate toxic molecules in plasma that are major contributors to pathogenesis of the conditions.
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.
Each session takes about two to four hours. In a week, two or three treatments may be needed. A full course takes a minimum of two weeks. Thereafter, the individual shows improvement lasting a few weeks to months. If condition relapses, they may have to undergo further courses of therapy.
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.
The relapsing type of multiple sclerosis is a typical example in which plasma exchange is utilized. However, the therapy only comes in handy when first line treatment options have failed. Other conditions that benefit from plasmapheresis include thrombocytopenic purpura, myasthenia gravis and hemolytic uremic syndrome. The essence of the procedure is to eliminate toxic molecules in plasma that are major contributors to pathogenesis of the conditions.
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.
Each session takes about two to four hours. In a week, two or three treatments may be needed. A full course takes a minimum of two weeks. Thereafter, the individual shows improvement lasting a few weeks to months. If condition relapses, they may have to undergo further courses of therapy.
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.
About the Author:
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment