Plasmapheresis (blood cleansing): is it dangerous and is it possible to do what it is, indications and contraindications
Blood cleansing with plasmapheresis can be used only in extreme cases, when there are no other ways to quickly remove a large amount of toxins and poisons from this physiological fluid. But the answer to the question of whether plasmapheresis can be done solely for cosmetic or preventive purposes will always be a refusal. Doctors do not recommend resorting to such a procedure, since essential amino acids, minerals and vitamins are removed from the bloodstream along with toxins. About whether it is dangerous to do plasmapheresis and how to properly use the procedure for therapeutic purposes, is described in the proposed article.
In the last 10-15 years, a procedure called plasmapheresis has become fashionable – a surgical blood purification, often prescribed without proper reason. By the beginning of the XX century. scientists already knew well that blood can be divided into "liquid" and "solid" parts and, if necessary, pour one or the other back into the patient.
The benefits and harms of blood purification with plasmapheresis
A session of blood purification by plasmapheresis is a purely mechanical removal (about 20%) of toxins that circulate in the blood, but not the activation of a person's own purification mechanisms. The benefits and harms of plasmapheresis are difficult to objectively assess, since as a monotherapy method it is not always effective, and if the treatment effect occurs, it is often very short-lived. Therefore, the treatment of the disease should be comprehensive. That is, plasmapheresis should be combined with therapeutic measures aimed at reducing the intake of toxin or the formation of toxin in the body itself. This includes the whole range of procedures – from therapeutic fasting and special nutrition to regular cleansing procedures and additional medicinal and natural therapies.
The phrase “toxin removal" has a magical effect on many people: they are willing to pay for “cleansing the body”, “detoxification”, etc. Cleansing is relatively inexpensive – from 4 to 5 thousand rubles per procedure (usually three procedures are performed). However, a generally safe operation can be detrimental.
For a session of therapeutic plasmapheresis, it is recommended to remove a quarter of the volume of circulating plasma – this is a considerable stress for the body and unforeseen situations often arise. The harm of plasmapheresis lies in the fact that allergic reactions to blood substitutes may occur, as well as the formation of blood clots (since with a decrease in the volume of blood in the body as a result of pumping out, its viscosity may increase).
According to transfusiologists, complications can arise if the necessary tests were not made before the operation, or the patient did not tell the doctors what diseases he was suffering from (among the contraindications, many call, for example, thrombophlebitis).
Indications for the use of blood plasmapheresis and contraindications
Indications for blood plasmapheresis are various diseases, which are based on the slagging of the body as a whole or the presence of large amounts of allergens and toxins in the blood. The most common indications for blood plasmapheresis are furunculosis, dermatosis, eczema, psoriasis and allergic urticaria. When studying the indications for plasmapheresis, one should not forget about contraindications, which make up an impressive list.
The disadvantage is that plasma is removed along with blood toxins. With plasma, substances necessary for the body are also removed. For example, immunoglobulins, otherwise antibodies, blood coagulation factors, such as fibrinogen, prothrombin, etc. Therefore, the use of plasmapheresis is contraindicated in diseases in which there is severe hypoproteinemia (low protein in the blood plasma), with the threat of bleeding, due to the low content in plasma blood clotting factors. For example, in acute liver failure as a result of massive liver damage. Immunity may be reduced for a short time. After plasmapheresis, complaints of dizziness, nausea, numbness in the limbs and weakness may occur. Usually these symptoms go away, but it happens that the patient needs additional restorative therapy.
Possible consequences of plasmapheresis
Of the rare risks of developing the consequences of plasmapheresis, doctors name several points – from Lyell's syndrome to anaphylaxis. Reinfusion (the return of plasma into the body) can cause anaphylaxis, a dangerous allergic reaction. Manifested by a drop in pressure, respiratory failure and can lead to death. Anaphylaxis is rare, with milder allergic reactions such as rash and fever more common.
The introduction of bacteria into the bloodstream also presents a possible certain danger, especially when a catheter is used for plasmapheresis in a large (central) vein. Some patients develop a reaction to the anticoagulant – muscle cramps and numbness, fortunately, these symptoms pass. Plasmapheresis removes proteins that promote blood clotting, and in rare cases this can lead to abnormal bleeding.
Lyell's syndrome is a toxic-allergic lesion of the skin and mucous membranes, often accompanied by changes in the internal organs and nervous system. Lyell's syndrome occurs as a result of taking certain medications (sulfonamides, antibiotics, barbiturates), leading to necrosis of all layers of the skin. Therefore, it is important to remember that self-medication with chemicals is dangerous to health. Plasmapheresis is also a serious surgical procedure that must be carried out for strict medical reasons, as part of the general treatment prescribed by a doctor, but not as a cosmetic or general health procedure, as it is often presented in commercial clinics.
The plasmapheresis procedure gives only a temporary effect, since the main reason – the toxicity of the body – is not eliminated. As well as the use of hormonal or other drugs, the plasmapheresis procedure does not lead to their cancellation.