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

Abstract

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.