Doctor warns of risks of plasmapheresis

Haematologist Sotiris Koumas on Thursday warned against the use of plasmapheresis outside established therapeutic settings, saying the procedure can cause complications ranging from mild to serious and should only be performed at specialised centres. Speaking to CNA amid public debate following the death of Giorgos Mazonakis and reports linking plasmapheresis with anti-ageing treatments, Koumas stressed that it was a specific medical procedure used to treat certain conditions. Used in several medical specialties, including haematology and neurology, plasmapheresis involves removing and replacing a patient’s plasma, the liquid component of blood that carries substances including proteins, antibodies and clotting factors. Koumas explained that in some conditions, pathological proteins, autoantibodies or other potentially harmful substances can accumulate in the plasma.

He cited thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura as an example, saying plasmapheresis may be required and that early diagnosis and treatment can be crucial to a patient’s survival. “The earlier you make the diagnosis, the earlier you start plasmapheresis – and we’re talking hours – the better the patient’s chances of survival,” he said. Such treatment may require the cooperation of haematologists, nephrologists, intensive care specialists and surgeons, as well as specialised nursing staff, Koumas said. He warned that complications can range from mild to particularly serious. The placement of a catheter can cause injury or bleeding, while a catheter that remains in place for the duration of treatment can become infected or develop a clot. During plasmapheresis, the patient’s blood passes through a specialised machine that separates and removes the plasma before returning the blood cells to the patient.…