Understanding the role of therapeutic plasma exchange in COVID-19: preliminary guidance and practices.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

Cytokine release syndrome in COVID-19 is due to a pathological inflammatory response of raised cytokines. Removal of these cytokines by therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) prior to end-organ damage may improve clinical outcomes. This manuscript is intended to serve as a preliminary guidance document for application of TPE in patients with severe COVID-19.

Material and methods

The available literature pertaining to the role of TPE for treatment of COVID-19 patients was reviewed to guide optimal management. It included indication, contraindication, optimal timing of initiation and termination of TPE, vascular access and anticoagulants, numbers and mode of procedures, outcome measures and adverse events.

Results

Out of a total of 78 articles, only

SUBMITTER: Patidar GK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8250601 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature