[Plasma exchange therapy (plasmapheresis/plasmafiltration). II. Indications and complications]

On the basis of an extensive study of references as well as of own experiences the present state of the plasma exchange therapy, its success, problems and tendencies are represented. In the 1st part the essential modifications of the technique (plasmapheresis/plasma filtration), problems of anticoagulation, kind and quantity of the substitution as well as tendencies to more specific separation methods are explained. The 2nd part gives a survey of all essential indications (Goodpasture's syndrome, myasthenia gravis, hyperviscosity syndrome, lupus erythematodes visceralis, intoxications) and shows the main complications.