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Objective: The indication for use of therapeutic plasma exchange has been increasing in recent years. It is a method that contributes significantly to the reduction of mortality and morbidity with immunosuppressive treatments in many lifethreatening diseases. The aim of this study is to examine, research, and develop therapeutic plasmapheresis procedures performed in a nephrology department.
Methods: In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the therapeutic plasma exchange procedures performed in our center. The demographic characteristics, clinical features, and laboratory results before and after the procedure of all patients were screened.
Results: A total of 67 patients (36 females, 31 males; mean age, 45.73 ± 15.89 years) and 398 apheresis sessions were analyzed. The most common nephrological indication of the therapeutic plasma exchange was acute humoral rejection (40.3%). When the laboratory values of the patients before and after the procedure were examined, it was observed that there was a statistically significant decrease in creatinine and platelet values after the procedure and a significant increase in bicarbonate values. When therapeutic plasma exchange was performed for hemolytic uremic syndrome, it was found that there was a decrease in lactate dehydrogenase level and an increase in platelet count. Complications were detected in 2 of the patients during the procedure.
Conclusion: Therapeutic plasmapheresis exchange can be performed by many different indications in a nephrology department. Acute humoral rejection was the most common indication for plasmapheresis in our center. We think that the procedure performed with the right indications will contribute to better outcomes.
Cite this article as: Serin HÖ, Baloğlu I, Tonbul HZ, Turkmen K, Yılmaz Selcuk N. Retrospective evaluation of therapeutic plasma exchange in nephrology clinic: A single-center experience. Turk J Nephrol. 2023;32(2):147-152.