Which condition is not an indication for Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 15, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

Pulmonary hemorrhage without kidney involvement is not an indication for Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis).

Indications for Plasmapheresis

  • The evidence suggests that plasmapheresis is recommended for patients with severe kidney impairment (serum creatinine ≥500 μmol/L) or active vasculitis despite ongoing remission induction therapy 1.
  • It is also recommended for patients with rapidly progressive severe renal disease to improve renal survival 1.
  • Additionally, plasmapheresis is suggested for patients with pulmonary hemorrhage requiring mechanical ventilation 1.
  • Furthermore, it is recommended for patients with an overlap syndrome of ANCA vasculitis and anti-GBM 1.

Non-Indications for Plasmapheresis

  • However, for patients with pulmonary hemorrhage without kidney involvement, the harms of serious infections may outweigh the benefits, and plasmapheresis is not recommended 1.
  • The decision to use plasmapheresis should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the individual patient's risk of developing end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and the potential benefits and harms of the treatment 1.

From the Research

Conditions Not Indicated for Therapeutic Plasma Exchange

  • Rheumatoid arthritis, as stated in the study 2, where therapeutic benefit of plasma exchange was not found by controlled clinical trials
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus, as mentioned in the study 2, where plasma exchange therapy was not indicated due to lack of efficacy
  • Polymyositis, as noted in the study 2, where therapeutic benefit of plasma exchange was not found by controlled clinical trials
  • Dermatomyositis, as stated in the study 2, where plasma exchange therapy was not indicated due to lack of efficacy
  • Multiple sclerosis, although some studies 3 suggest that plasma exchange therapy can be effective in steroid-unresponsive relapses, the study 2 mentions that therapeutic benefit of plasma exchange was not found by controlled clinical trials for this condition
  • Rejection of kidney allotransplant, as mentioned in the study 2, where plasma exchange therapy was not indicated due to lack of efficacy

Other Conditions

  • The studies 4, 5, 3, and 6 provide information on various conditions where therapeutic plasma exchange is indicated, such as systemic vasculitis, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, hemolytic uremic syndrome, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia, among others. However, the question specifically asks for conditions that are not indicated for therapeutic plasma exchange.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

[Plasmapheresis in haematology].

Wiadomosci lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960), 2015

Research

Patients treated with therapeutic plasma exchange: a single center experience.

Transfusion and apheresis science : official journal of the World Apheresis Association : official journal of the European Society for Haemapheresis, 2014

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.