THE EFFICACY OF PLASMA-EXCHANGE IN THE REMOVAL OF PLASMA COMPONENTS

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 104  (3) , 346-354
Abstract
The efficacy of plasma exchange [PE] in the removal of IgG, IgM, and IgA, complement components C1q, C4 and C3, .alpha.1-antitrypsin, .alpha.2-macroglobulin and transferrin was studied by analysis of pre- and postexchange serum samples and the plasma removed both in a healthy volunteer and in 5 patients undergoing therapeutic PE. In the healthy volunteer, the measured reduction in serum concentration and the measured amount removed for each component was compared with values predicted by a physical model. For all components except IgM, the sum of the measured amount removed during the procedure and the calculated amount present in the circulation progressively exceeded the calculated intravascular amount present before PE. This was particularly the case for C4, C3, .alpha.1-antitrypsin and .alpha.2-macroglobulin and may be explained by influx from the extra- to the intravascular compartment during the procedure. Influx also occurred in the patients. Except for IgM, the actual amount of a component that was removed should be assessed for proper evaluation of the efficacy of PE.