A special treatment that purifies the blood: Plasmapheresis and Plasma Exchange in simple terms

The blood in our body is truly an amazing fluid, isn't it? It is this blood that carries nutrition and oxygen to all parts of our body, and protects us from diseases. But sometimes, some of the things in this blood start to cause problems for our body. That's when we are going to talk about a somewhat complicated but very important treatment method that comes to the rescue.

First, let's see, what is this plasma?

When we talk about blood, we think of a red liquid. But there are four main parts to this blood.

1. Red blood cells: Cells that carry oxygen throughout the body.

2. White blood cells: Our army that fights germs that cause disease.

3. Platelets: Small particles that stop bleeding when there is a wound.

4. Plasma: This is the yellow liquid in which all the cells mentioned above are floating. It's like vegetable pieces floating in soup. This plasma is mostly water. But it also contains many things that are essential for our body, such as proteins and electrolytes. Some of the proteins (antibodies) that protect our body from diseases are also found in this plasma.

Now that you have a rough idea about plasma, let's look at these two treatments.

Difference between Plasmapheresis and Plasma Exchange

Although these two names sound similar when you hear them, there is a slight difference.

• Plasmapheresis: Simply put, this is the process of separating only the plasma from the blood. Most often, this method is used to take blood from a healthy person, separate the plasma from it, and give it to another patient. It is a plasma donation, just like donating blood.

• Plasma Exchange: This is the most commonly used treatment. This involves taking blood from a sick person, using a special machine to remove the problematic plasma , replacing it with healthy plasma or another similar fluid, and then returning the purified blood back to the person. It's like removing some dirty water and adding clean water to it.

What diseases can be cured by this treatment?

Plasma exchange is a treatment used to treat a number of diseases. It is particularly effective for autoimmune diseases, where our body's immune system attacks our own healthy parts. This is because the plasma contains proteins (antibodies) that attack the body incorrectly. So when the problematic plasma is removed, the symptoms are greatly reduced.

Let's look at the table below to see what the main medical conditions for which this treatment is used are.

How the treatment goes: before, during and after

It's normal to feel a little scared when hearing about this type of treatment. But once you understand exactly how it works, that fear disappears.

Preparation before treatment

If your doctor refers you to this treatment, here are some tips:

• Drink plenty of non-carbonated fluids (water, fruit juice) for about 72 hours before treatment.
• Eat a good meal about an hour before the treatment.
• Wear comfortable clothing . Since the treatment will last several hours, it's a good idea to bring a book to read or something to listen to.
• It is essential to have someone to take you home after treatment.

What happens during treatment

This is really not as complicated as you might think.

1. First, the medical staff will insert a special tube (catheter) into a vein in your arm or possibly a large vein in your neck or groin.

2. Then, a small amount of blood is taken out of your body through that tube.

3. The blood goes directly into a special machine. This machine separates the plasma from your blood.

4. Then, your questionable plasma is removed and discarded.

5. Your remaining red cells, white cells, and platelets are now mixed with healthy plasma or a special liquid containing a protein called albumin .

6. Finally, this cleaned blood is returned to your body through that tube.

Is this painful?

No. This treatment is not painful . However, you may feel some discomfort when the catheter is inserted into your arm. Other than that, there is no pain. However, some people may experience the following:

• It feels like a slight numbness in the limbs.
• Feeling nauseous .
• Feeling like dizziness .
• Feeling cold .

If you feel something like this, it is very important to tell the nurse or doctor immediately.

After treatment

Many people feel very tired after treatment. This is normal. Plasma is the main source of water for our bodies. So your doctor will advise you to drink more water and fluids than usual for a few days after treatment.

Benefits and risks of treatment

As with any medical treatment, there are benefits and very minor risks.

Remember that these risks are very rare , and that the medical team will be constantly monitoring you during treatment, so if any problems arise, they will be treated immediately.

Questions you may also have

Is this something like dialysis?

Good question. The principle behind both methods is the same: filtering out unwanted, harmful substances from the blood. But there is a difference.

Dialysis is used to remove waste products from the blood of someone with kidney failure.

Plasma exchange is done to remove harmful antibodies or proteins from the blood.

How long will it take to recover after treatment?

It varies depending on your condition. For example, someone with myasthenia gravis may be symptom-free for several months after a few weeks of treatment. After that, treatment may be needed again. This is a treatment that controls symptoms and makes life easier, rather than curing the disease.

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