Abstract
Various methods for plasmapheresis have been utilized in the literature for clinical purposes including centrifugal plasma exchange and f iltrative plasmapheresis. We have experienced discontinuous centrifugal plasma exchange by the use of Haemonetics Model 30 Blood Cell Separator. This method was employed for 16 cases of 8 different diseases, and fresh frozen plasma was used for the replacement medium in most of the cases.
The advantages of this method are: (1) easy accessibility of the method if fresh frozen plasma or albumin solution is available, and (2) rapid effect compared with other methods. On the other hand, the disadvantages of the method are: (1) high incidence of viral infec-tion in the patients with viral hepatitis for example, and (2) high expense required for this method.
More detailed studies on various diseases are necessary for the use of this method in clinical situations.
