Basic principles of therapeutic plasma exchange

Therapeutic plasma exchange is a method of treatment for clinical conditions that represent diverse fields of medicine. The rationale for this mode of therapy is based on sound mathematical modeling of the synthesis and removal of large molecules, usually proteins, from the circulation. The basic assumptions underlying therapeutic plasma exchange are that a clinical illness is caused by, or related to, a pathogenic substance in the plasma, and that removing that substance from the plasma will alleviate the patient's illness. This approach has proven applicable to a wide variety of clinical conditions. Therapeutic plasma exchange is largely a safe procedure in experienced hands. The principal adverse effect, the hypocalcemic reaction, is readily ameliorated or prevented.

Automated summary

Therapeutic plasma exchange is a safe and effective method of treatment for a variety of clinical conditions. It is based on mathematical modeling and the removal of pathogenic substances from the circulation to alleviate the patient's illness. This approach has proven to be applicable to diverse fields of medicine and can be easily managed to prevent adverse reactions.