Plasmapheresis as a Secondary Treatment
Plasmapheresis is considered a second-line treatment by the American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) for various medical conditions. This means that it can be used as an additional therapy alongside the standard treatment options. Medical professionals commonly employ plasmapheresis as a secondary treatment for several conditions including Hashimoto encephalopathy, hematopoietic stem cell transplants with blood type incompatibility, multiple sclerosis, drug overdoses, poisonings, and desensitization in heart transplants.
Contraindications
There are certain contraindications to consider before undergoing plasmapheresis. These include conditions such as sepsis, hemodynamic instability, or an allergy to fresh frozen plasma, albumin, or heparin. Another contraindication is hypocalcemia, although doctors can address this issue prior to the procedure in some cases.
In addition, plasmapheresis cannot be performed if there is no central or large-bore vein accessible. It is important to note that the use of an ACE-inhibitor within 24 hours of the procedure is considered a relative contraindication.