Comparison of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange and Double Filtration Plasmapheresis: Five Year Experience of Nephrology Unit

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes and characteristics of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) in one center. Method: The data of cases treated with therapeutic plasmapheresis at the university hospital between 2007 and 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. 445 TPE and 391 DFPP sessions were done totally. Results: In the 5.5 years, in 116 cases 445 TPE and 391 DFPP sessions were done. The mean age was 46.61±16.83 years. There were 49 female and 67 male patients. Guillain-Barre syndrome ( 8.6%) was the commonly encountered indication for neurological diseases, glomerulonephritis ( 25%) was the leading indication for the renal-related diseases. Skin involvement due to diabetes mellitus (13.8%) and Pemphigus Vulgaris (5.2%) were the dermatological diseases. Complication rates were similar between DFPP and TPE sessions (p= 0.411). Conclusion: TPE and DFPP are safe and vital membrane separation techniques used as a treatment for a wide spectrum of diseases. These treatments can be safely done in hemodialysis units intensive care units and DFPP should be considered for the therapy refractory neurological diseases.

Keywords

• exchange
• Double filtration plasmapheresis
• Theurapetic plasma exchange

References

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