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Changes in coagulation factors, complement, immunoglobulins, and immune complex concentrations with plasma exchange
Transfusion
|January 1, 1982
Summary
Plasma exchange effectively reduces immune complexes in patients with immune disorders. However, it can lead to hypogammaglobulinemia and hypofibrinogenemia, impacting immunoglobulin and fibrinogen levels.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- Patients with immunologically-related disorders often exhibit abnormal levels of coagulation factors, complement proteins, immunoglobulins, and immune complexes.
- Plasma exchange (PE) is a therapeutic apheresis technique used to remove plasma components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of plasma exchange on coagulation factors, complement, immunoglobulins, and immune complexes in patients with immunologically-related disorders.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen patients underwent plasma exchange, replacing 50% of plasma volume with 5% albumin and saline.
- Coagulation profiles, complement levels (C3, C4), immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM), and immune complex levels were measured before and after PE.
Main Results:
- Plasma exchange significantly decreased coagulation factors (23-55%), fibrinogen (51% after 3 PE), complement (C3, C4 by 35-40%), and immunoglobulins (total by 50-55%).
- Immune complexes were reduced by 50-80%.
- Hypogammaglobulinemia and hypofibrinogenemia were observed in some patients after multiple PE sessions.
Conclusions:
- Plasma exchange is effective in reducing immune complexes.
- Repeated plasma exchange can lead to significant reductions in immunoglobulins and fibrinogen, potentially causing hypogammaglobulinemia and hypofibrinogenemia.