Use of plasma exchange as therapeutic tool in clinical practice

Objective: To descrive the use of therapeutic plasma exchange in several pathologies and its adjustment to international reference guides. Method: Observational, descriptive, retrospective study, of all the patients that received plasmapheresis between January 2014-December 2015. We analized the appropriate indication according to the bibliography consulted, and the therapeutic outcome. Indication, replaced volume of plasma, number of sessions and periodicity were established by the Hematology Service depending on the disease and its clinical course. Results: 10 patients (8 women), between 28-72 years old, received therapeutic plasma exchange. The pathologies treated were neurological (9 patients), Waldenstrom disease (1 patient). The technique used was continuous centrifugation with albumin 5% as replacement fluid. Conclusions: The therapeutic plasma exchange in reviewed patients agreed to reference guides. There was not a direct relation between the recommendation grade and the response obtained. The reduced number of patients is a limitation to obtain conclusive results.