Basic Principles Regarding Plasma Exchange Therapy
by Kathleen Brooks
Recent advances in medical practice have been a great savior for patients suffering from a number of blood diseases. <a href="www.youngbloodinstitute.org/aging--blood.html">Plasma exchange therapy</a> definitely falls among this list of major breakthroughs in providing effective patient care. It works by first harvesting the blood of the patient via externally visible veins and transferring it to a special device through a catheter. The special device separates cells from plasma (fluid part of blood) which is then replaced by new plasma and the mixture is taken up by the human through the veins.
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.
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.
A full cycle of plasmapheresis takes at least a fortnight. A single session usually lasts two to four hours. Weekly, about two or three sessions are done. Improvement is expected after a full course is completed. After a few weeks or months of symptom free living, the cycle may have to be repeated if the patient has a relapse.
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.
You can find an overview of the benefits you get when you use <a href="http://www.youngbloodinstitute.org/aging--blood.html">plasma exchange therapy</a> services at http://www.youngbloodinstitute.org/aging--blood.html right now.
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New Unique Article!
Title: Basic Principles Regarding Plasma Exchange Therapy
Author: Kathleen Brooks
Email: nathanwebster335@live.com
Keywords: plasma exchange therapy
Word Count: 544
Category: Alternative Medicine
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