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.
Plasmapheresis is usually an outpatient form of treatment with no anesthesia required except in selected cases where local numbing may have to be done. Sometimes, the veins required for access may be too small to be seen. In such cases, larger, central veins in the neck and shoulder may have to be used. The patient is encouraged to drink lots of water before the procedure because of the associated dizziness and weakness.
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.
Blood is unlikely to clot when it is in an optimal surrounding, inside the human body. However, once it is exposed to the external environment, the likelihood of clotting increases. This is why sodium citrate is given during the procedure. The patient is exposed to an additional problem; hypocalcemia (or low calcium levels). This happens because the sodium citrate has to extract calcium for clotting to be prevented.
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.
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.
Plasmapheresis is usually an outpatient form of treatment with no anesthesia required except in selected cases where local numbing may have to be done. Sometimes, the veins required for access may be too small to be seen. In such cases, larger, central veins in the neck and shoulder may have to be used. The patient is encouraged to drink lots of water before the procedure because of the associated dizziness and weakness.
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.
Blood is unlikely to clot when it is in an optimal surrounding, inside the human body. However, once it is exposed to the external environment, the likelihood of clotting increases. This is why sodium citrate is given during the procedure. The patient is exposed to an additional problem; hypocalcemia (or low calcium levels). This happens because the sodium citrate has to extract calcium for clotting to be prevented.
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.
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.
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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.