Plasmapheresis during pregnancy.
Plasmapheresis, a process in which blood is withdrawn, the plasma removed, and the red cells reinfused after resuspension in a replacement solution, has been used for a variety of conditions during pregnancy, but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.
Watson
W J
WJ
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Katz
V L
VL
Bowes
W A
WA
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