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PLASMA EXCHANGE: A SELECTIVE FORM OF BLOOD‐LETTING
Author(s) -
Isbister James P.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1979.tb142022.x
Subject(s) - hyperviscosity , bloodletting , fulminant , plasmapheresis , medicine , disease , intensive care medicine , immunology , pathology , blood viscosity , alternative medicine , antibody
The technique of, and indications for, plasma exchange are presented. This selective form of plasma removal has re‐established “bloodletting” in medical therapeutics on a scientific basis. It is the most appropriate therapy when hyperviscosity or haemostatic failure complicate immunoproliferative disease. Plasma exchange is also a significant advance in the management of fulminant forms of autoimmune disease, but in many other conditions it must be regarded as experimental.