Long‐term Plasmapheresis: Effects on Specific Plasma Proteins

An extensive long‐term plasmapheresis program was carried out in which the individually specific plasma proteins of 74 donors were monitored throughout an 18‐month donation perid. Hematocrit, bilirubin and weight were graphically recorded for each bleeding. Plasma samples were taken from each donor prior to plasmapheresis and every six months thereafter for laboratory analysis of specific plasma proteins. Each sample was assayed in a “blind fashion” for total protein, albumin, prealbumin, IgG, IgA, IgM, C’3, alpha 2‐macroglobulin, transferrin, and ceruloplasmin. The mean of the individual total protein remained well within normal ranges; none of the nine individually specific plasma proteins showed a significant decrease in concentration. This study indicates that chronic, large‐volume plasmapheresis does not adversely affect plasma protein homeostasis.