title: Plasmapheresis during pregnancy.
abstract: Plasmapheresis, a process in which blood is withdrawn, the plasma removed, and the red cells reinfused after resuspension in a replacement solution, has been used for a variety of conditions during pregnancy, but is most useful in the treatment of pregnancy complicated by thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura or persistent postpartum microangiopathic hemolytic disorders. A low risk of morbidity and fatalities associated with plasmapheresis has been reported, but the incidence of these complications does not seem to be affected by pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Watson
authors.forename: V L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Katz
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Bowes
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010956:Plasmapheresis / Q000009:adverse effects; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000628:therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011250:Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / Q000628:therapy*; D011697:Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / Q000628:therapy; D012203:Rh Isoimmunization / Q000628:therapy