title: Therapeutic plasma exchange.
abstract: The improvement in design and biocompatibility of continuous renal replacement therapy equipment has made it possible to perform therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in the intensive care unit. The purpose of this article is to outline the general principles of apheresis, including a historical perspective, current indications, and complications. Replacement fluid, membrane filtration, anticoagulation, and vascular access will be presented. A summary of the nursing care associated with TPE, potential complications, and methods to reduce the risk of their occurrence are summarized.
authors.affiliation: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec (CHUQ), Faculty of Nursing, Laval University, Québec, PQ.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Michaud
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: McKay
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pfefferle
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Komant
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003422:Critical Care; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D009732:Nursing Care / Q000379:methods; D010951:Plasma Exchange / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000266:history / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants