When Would You Need a Procedure to Remove Harmful Toxins From Your Blood?

Medically reviewed by Mary Josephine Hessert, DOMedically reviewed by Mary Josephine Hessert, DO

Plasmapheresis is a procedure that separates plasma from blood to help remove unwanted or harmful substances such as antibodies or toxins. Plasma is the liquid portion of blood, making up over half of the total blood volume and helping with functions such as blood clotting and maintaining a proper pH balance.

Your provider may recommend this procedure if you need treatment for conditions like multiple sclerosis or Guillain-Barre syndrome.

How Is a Plasma Exchange Different?

The term plasmapheresis is often used interchangeably with plasma exchange, but the two procedures are slightly different. During plasmapheresis, small amounts of plasma are removed and they may or may not be returned to the body. With a plasma exchange, however, large amounts of plasma are replaced with a fluid such as albumin or frozen plasma.

Purpose

Plasmapheresis is a procedure that separates and removes plasma from the blood to decrease the concentration of harmful substances like antibodies, toxins bound with proteins, cryoglobulins, and immunocomplexes. It's also the term used for donating healthy plasma.

Healthcare providers may recommend plasmapheresis as the first-line or second-line of treatment for several conditions, such as:

Guillain-Barre syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that affects the nervesMyasthenia gravis: An autoimmune condition that causes skeletal muscle weaknessThrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: A blood disorder that causes clots to form in small blood vesselsWilson disease: A condition that causes copper to build up in the bodyMultiple sclerosis: an autoimmune condition affecting the protective covering of nerves called myelin sheathLupus: An autoimmune disorder that affects healthy tissues in the whole bodyLambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that causes muscle weakness

Plasmapheresis can also remove certain medications that you may be taking, which can lower their effectiveness. Before the procedure, talk to your healthcare provider to learn if plasmapheresis can affect your medication regimen.

Types of Plasmapheresis

There are two main types of plasmapheresis, which differ based on the process that is used to separate plasma from the blood. Your provider can choose one of the following types:

Centrifugation: The traditional plasmapheresis method uses a rapid spinning process to separate different components in blood cells from the plasma. The components are separated based on their molecular weight, size, and density.Filtration: This process passes your blood through a filter with larger pores, which helps separate the cellular components in your blood from the plasma.

How To Prepare

Plasmapheresis does not require any special preparation. However, your healthcare provider will walk you through the specifics of the procedure and answer any questions that you may have. Generally, this procedure takes place at a clinic or hospital. Before you go in for your appointment, consider the following tips:

Wear loose-fitted and comfortable clothing Leave valuables and jewelry at homeAvoid drinking alcohol 72 hours before your appointment Ask your provider if you should stop or change the dosage of your medications before the procedureBring your photo ID and insurance card Call your insurance company or hospital billing department to learn any out-of-pocket costs you may have

In most cases, you can go home on the same day after your procedure is complete. Some people opt to bring a loved one to their appointment with them so they have a ride home and can support them emotionally before going in for the procedure.

How Does a Plasmapheresis Work?

Plasmapheresis involves inserting a needle or catheter into a vein in your arm or some other location to draw blood. In some cases, your healthcare provider may use local anesthesia around the needle site to make the procedure painless.

During the Procedure

Your healthcare provider will check your body temperature, blood pressure, breathing rate, and pulse before plasmapheresis. The process of plasmapheresis involves the following steps:

Inserting a needle or catheter into a vein in your arm or any other location to draw bloodPassing your blood through a machine where the separation of blood and plasma takes placeRemoving harmful substances from the plasmaReturning the plasma to the body through a needle placed in your other arm

The last step doesn't always occur during the procedure, especially if only small amounts of blood and plasma are taken from your body.

You can expect the entire procedure to take about two hours to complete. However, you'll likely need 5-10 sessions that take place every 2-3 days to remove all of the harmful toxins from your plasma. The exact timeline of your procedures will depend on your needs and overall health condition.

After the Procedure

You can typically go back home after plasmapheresis. However, your healthcare provider may recommend an overnight stay at the hospital, especially if you experience side effects like fatigue or lightheadedness or if you had a large amount of blood withdrawn. Whether you return home on the same day or the next day, it's also a good idea to arrange for someone to drive you home.

Risks and Precautions

Plasmapheresis is generally a safe and well-tolerated procedure. However, about 5-12% of people undergoing the procedure may develop side effects and complications, such as:

Nausea and vomitingMuscle crampsFaintingHypotension (low blood pressure)Chest painHeadacheTingling in the lips, hands, or feetInfection or swelling at the needle site

If you develop side effects after coming home from the procedure, always contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to tell them about your symptoms. They can recommend treatments to keep symptoms at bay or ask you to return to the clinic or hospital for further evaluation.

Recovery

The effects of plasmapheresis often happen quickly, with many people noticing improved symptoms after just a few sessions. However, recovery is an important part of your journey after the procedure. Staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest will help you recover. Your healthcare provider may also recommend some dietary changes during the recovery period.

A Quick Review

Plasmapheresis is a procedure that can help remove harmful or unwanted substances from your plasma, thereby helping treat several conditions like lupus or multiple sclerosis. The entire procedure takes about two hours, but you may need up to 10 sessions of this procedure to help you feel better and reduce symptoms of your underlying condition.

This procedure is generally safe, but some side effects include nausea and muscle cramps. Should you have side effects after the procedure, talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms as they can offer treatments and reduce the risk of complications.

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### Conclusion
In conclusion, plasmapheresis is a valuable medical procedure used to remove harmful substances from the blood, helping to treat various conditions. It is a safe and effective method that can significantly improve symptoms and overall health. Understanding the purpose, types, preparation, and recovery associated with plasmapheresis is crucial for patients undergoing this treatment.

### FAQs
1. **Is plasmapheresis a painful procedure?**
Plasmapheresis may involve inserting a needle or catheter into a vein, which can cause discomfort. However, healthcare providers may use local anesthesia to minimize pain during the procedure.

2. **How many sessions of plasmapheresis are typically needed?**
The number of sessions required varies depending on the individual’s condition. Generally, patients may undergo 5-10 sessions every 2-3 days to achieve desired results.

3. **What are the common side effects of plasmapheresis?**
Some common side effects of plasmapheresis include nausea, muscle cramps, fainting, and hypotension. It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider if you experience any adverse reactions.

4. **Can plasmapheresis be used to treat all autoimmune diseases?**
Plasmapheresis is primarily recommended for specific conditions like Guillain-Barre syndrome, myasthenia gravis, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, Wilson disease, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Each case is unique, and treatment decisions are made based on individual needs.

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