Long-term plasma exchange. Analysis of indications, outcome and side effects.
In order to determine the characteristics and the course of diseases treated with long-term plasmapheresis (e.g., more than 25 plasma exchanges), we retrospectively studied 850 patients who underwent plasmapheresis. Long-term plasma exchange was prescribed to 38 patients who failed to respond to conventional therapy; cryoglobulinemias, peripheral neuropathies and monoclonal gammopathies were their most frequent underlying diseases. Improvement was noted in 65.8% cases. Only minor side effects were observed and the risk/benefit ratio for such therapy was excellent.
Karmochkine
M
M
Service de Médecine Interne, Hôpital Avicenne, Bobigny.
Bussel
A
A
Léon
A
A
Jarrousse
B
B
Baudelot
J
J
Guillevin
L
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003449:Cryoglobulinemia / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010265:Paraproteinemias / Q000628:therapy; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D010951:Plasma Exchange / Q000009:adverse effects; D010956:Plasmapheresis / Q000009:adverse effects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome