Complications During Apheresis in Patients with Sepsis

Sepsis can lead to septic shock, multiorgan failure, and death if not recognized early and treated promptly. Therapeutic plasma exchange using healthy donor plasma has the potential to improve survival in sepsis. Apart from reports of transient hypotension, allergic reactions to fresh frozen plasma, and citrate-associated hypocalcemia, plasmapheresis has been a safe procedure for treating septic patients. Hemodynamic instability, organ failure, and the risk of antimicrobial removal during plasma exchange are important safety issues to consider in this special population.