Plasma is the fluid part of the blood that does not contain cells and it allows the circulation of red blood cell, white blood cell and platelets. It contains chemicals like hormones and vitamins, and makes chemical communication among different organs. In certain conditions or diseases, plasma contains protein or chemicals (so called Antibodies) that are harmful and may be causing the disease. Removing plasma and replacing it with Albumin or plasma from a healthy donor will be part of treatment.   

Plasmapheresis (plasma exchange) is done to remove plasma from someone’s blood and replace it with either Albumin or plasma from a healthy donor.

You may receive this treatment for the following conditions most commonly in addition to many others: 
  • Guillain-Barre syndrome
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
  • Hyperviscosity in monoclonal gammopathies
  • Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
  • Goodpasture syndrome 
  • Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Red cell alloimmunization in pregnancy
  • Mushroom poisoning
  • Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
  • Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (life-threatening cold agglutinin disease)
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (severe)
  • Myeloma cast nephropathy

REFERALS

To refer a patient for plasmapheresis (plasma exchange) or RBC exchange, call Loma Linda Nephrology Faculty Office

Phone: 909.558.2728 FAX: 909 558 2624

Please mention Plasma exchange or RBC exchange