Abstract

Therapeutic plasma exchange is a procedure in which plasma is removed and replaced with another fluid to correct blood abnormalities. There is growing evidence of its benefit in certain clinical conditions, including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, hematological diseases, and immune-mediated neurological disorders. Therapeutic plasma exchange prescription includes the choice of technique (centrifugation or membrane filtration) and the choice of vascular access, as well as the total plasma volume to be exchanged, the type of replacement fluid, the number and frequency of sessions, and the method of anticoagulation. These patients may be critically ill and undergo this technique in an intensive care unit, where the intensivist manages the procedure independently or in collaboration with other specialists. We aim to make an easy-to-follow general prescription of this procedure, by offering a practical revision that empowers physicians, such as non-autonomous intensivists, to autonomously prescribe and manage this procedure, reducing delays in initiating treatment and addressing complications.

Key Points

• Therapeutic plasma exchange effectively improves clinical conditions like thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and immune-mediated neurological disorders.
• Key components of plasma exchange include technique choice, vascular access selection, and fluid replacement.
• Assessment of critical care scenarios highlights the collaborative role of intensivists and specialists in managing these procedures efficiently.
• Empowering physicians with practical guidance may reduce treatment delays and minimize complications in critically ill patients.