[The application of plasma exchange therapy in refractory diseases]

115 plasma exchange (PE) procedures were performed in 27 patients using the Haemonetics V50 plasmapheresis system 20 patients improved; among them 15 improved remarkably. Adverse reactions were observed 30 times (26.1%). PE showed beneficial effects in certain disease states which did not respond to conventional treatment or traditionally known therapeutic measures, especially patients in critical condition. Prevention and treatment of associated infections are very important in order to obtain a better efficacy of PE.