Nephrologist Dr. Arup Ratan Dutta’s Expertise in Plasmapheresis

An eminent Nephrologist Dr. Arup Ratan Dutta has been working in this field for the last 30 years. He completed MBBS from Calcutta Medical College, and MD and DM from Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh. He is competent in the treatment of Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis, CRRT, and Plasmapheresis. Apart from being an active member of the Indian Society of Nephrology (ISN), he is also a Scientific Committee Member and Zonal Representative and Secretary of the Eastern Zone. Dr. Arup has contributed to several national and international journals. He is one of the founding members and has served as the president of the Peritoneal Dialysis Society of India (PDSI). Currently, he is working with Fortis Hospital, Kolkata.

What is Plasmapheresis?

It is used to treat many serious health issues. With the help of this procedure, present symptoms can be declined, resulting in overall improvement of general health. The liquid part of the blood, or plasma, is parted from the blood cells during plasmapheresis therapy. The plasma is replaced with another solution such as albumin or saline. In some cases, it is treated and then returned to your body. When you are sick, your plasma contains antibodies that attack the immune system. With the help of a machine, the affected plasma is removed and replaced with good plasma or a plasma substitute. The process is similar to kidney dialysis and is also known as plasma exchange or plasma donation. In the plasma donation process, nephrologists remove plasma and the blood cells are returned to your body.

Need of Plasmapheresis

Autoimmune disorders like myasthenia gravis, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic syndrome are treated using this therapy. Certain complications of sickle cell disease and some forms of neuropathy are also treated by this therapy. The therapy of Plasmapheresis is also applied to patients that have received an organ transplant. It reduces the risk of the body rejecting the organ. 

Process of Plasmapheresis

It is a painless process in which a needle or catheter is placed into a vein in the crux of whichever arm has the most robust artery. A catheter can be placed in the groin or shoulder also. It transfers the blood from your body to the machine, which will make sure to collect it, treat it, and later return it to your body. Through a second tube, plasma flows into the body, which is placed in the arm or foot. The procedure lasts for one to three hours if you are receiving plasmapheresis treatment. The treatment frequency varies depending on the disease and overall health. A person can donate plasma twice a week.

How to prepare yourself for Plasmapheresis?

To get the maximum benefits and minimize the risks and symptoms of plasmapheresis following points should be considered.

• Have a nutritious meal before treatment or donation to maintain your energy level. 
• Take a high protein diet and less phosphorous, sodium, and potassium in the days leading up to plasmapheresis.
• Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated.
• Take a good night’s sleep before your procedure to keep you active.
• Make sure you are vaccinated for common infections. Ask your doctor to find out which vaccines you need.
• Avoid consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and smoking.

Benefits of Plasmapheresis

You will feel relief in a few days if you’re receiving plasmapheresis to treat weakness or an autoimmune disorder. Other conditions are likely to take a few weeks before you notice any changes in your symptoms. Plasmapheresis usually provides short-term relief. Often the process needs to be repeated. The frequency and length of results depend on your condition and its severity. Your doctor will give you a general idea of how long plasmapheresis will be effective and how frequently you need to use it.

Risks associated with Plasmapheresis

This therapy carries a risk of side effects. Although, they are rare and generally mild. The most common symptom is a drop in blood pressure accompanied by blurry vision, cold, faintness, dizziness, and stomach cramps. Sometimes the blood may also carry infection, blood clotting, and allergic reaction. Some uncommon yet serious risks include bleeding, which results from anti-clotting medications, seizures, abdominal cramps, and tingling in the limbs.

Take away

Plasmapheresis is very beneficial in some diseases. And donating plasma is an equally good deed. But it may not be an appropriate treatment for some hemodynamically unstable people, who can’t tolerate central line placement, those who are prone to allergies to heparin, frozen albumin, or plasma.