Hemolysis in double-filtration plasmapheresis

Am J Clin Pathol. 2007 Jan;127(1):76-80. doi: 10.1309/F8XMTALTTCE5H37U.

Abstract

To evaluate the occurrence of hemolysis during double-filtration plasmapheresis (DFP) treatment and its causes, we prospectively treated 113 myasthenic patients and monitored transmembrane pressure (TMP), arterial line pressure (Pa), and venous line pressure (Pv) at 30-minute intervals (M30, M60, M90, and M120) during treatment. Laboratory and clinical parameters related to the development of hemolysis were also analyzed. The overall frequency of hemolysis was 35.4%. Peripheral venous access was associated with a higher rate of hemolysis (45.3%) The mean TMP increased significantly after M30 for the hemolysis group compared with the no hemolysis group. A similar trend was present for Pa. Pv did not differ between the 2 groups during treatments until M90 and M120. Pa and TMP changed significantly with time (both P < .0001). Vascular access through large veins and stable TMP during the procedure may help avoid hemolysis.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Blood Pressure
  • Female
  • Filtration
  • Hemolysis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Middle Aged
  • Myasthenia Gravis / therapy*
  • Plasmapheresis / adverse effects*
  • Plasmapheresis / methods
  • Prospective Studies

Substances

  • Membranes, Artificial