Purpose: Plasmapheresis in pregnancy adversely affects maternal hemodynamics, however there are studies suggesting it to reduce pregnancy loss in immunological diseases when medication is more harmful to the fetus. The overall optimal plasmapheresis treatment protocol remains unknown.
Materials and methods: A pregnant with neuromyelitis optica was followed up after receiving six volumes of fresh frozen plasma via plasmapheresis.
Results: The placenta compensated the hemodynamic change until the 33rd week of gestation, resulting a small for gestational age, otherwise healthy girl.
Conclusions: More research is needed on plasma exchange during pregnancy because in our observation placental circulation can adapt to the change in blood pressure.
Keywords: Plasmapheresis; intrauterine growth restriction; neuromyelitis optica; placental vascularization.