Utilidad de la plasmaféresis en cuidados intensivos

Abstract

We discuss the plasmapheresis (PE) carried out in an 18-bed polyvalent intensive care unit between the years 2003-2007. This article aims to report our experience in plasmapheresis performed with specific monitors for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) that shows the versatility of the use of these procedures in intensive care. The utility of these procedures include many different critical disease settings in our units (neurology, hematology, and rheumatology patients). In short, our experience in PE has led us to the conclusion that plasmapheresis is a simple extracorporeal depuration treatment that can be performed by staff trained in intensive care at any moment within a wide spectrum of clinical indications, with CRRT monitors and with minimum adverse effects.

Therapeutic plasma exchange in patients in a portuguese ICU

“…In our study, TPE proved to be an effective treatment, since most patients (82.5%) had a favorable clinical evolution. Similarity, the 2005 International Apheresis Registry 16 showed improvement of 74.8% of patients under TPE and in three critical care studies, a favorable clinical evolution was observed in 75% 14,15 and 91% 11 , reinforcing the effectiveness of TPE as a therapeutic intervention in critically ill patients. It is difficult to interpret the role of TPE in patients whose clinical condition worsened under therapy, and it is possible that the advanced stage of the underlying disease influenced the unfavorable outcome.…”

“…Other authors found similar or higher mortality rates, such as Szczeklik et al (9% of mortality) 11 or C. Benítez et al (15% of mortality) 13 . TPE associated mortality is estimated at 0.1% 15 .…”