LONG-TERM PLASMA-EXCHANGE - ANALYSIS OF INDICATIONS, OUTCOME AND SIDE-EFFECTS

In order to determine the characteristics and the course of diseases t reated with long-term plasmapheresis (e.g., more than 25 plasma exchan ges), we retrospectively studied 850 patients who underwent plasmapher esis. Long-term plasma exchange was prescribed to 38 patients who fail ed to respond to conventional therapy; cryoglobuline-mias, peripheral neuropathies and monoclonal gammopathies were their most frequent unde rlying diseases. Improvement was noted in 65.8% cases. Only minor side effects were observed and the risk/benefit ratio for such therapy was excellent.