What does PP mean in BRITISH MEDICINE

Plasmapheresis is a medical procedure which involves removing plasma from the body and replacing it with other fluids. It is also known as therapeutic plasma exchange, and it can help treat immune-mediated diseases as well as removing certain toxins or antibodies from the blood.

The process of plasmapheresis involves filtering out proteins, such as antibodies, that are circulating in large quantities in the blood. This will reduce their concentration and stop them from causing harm. This process can be done manually using a machine or machine-assisted methods such as automated centrifugation.

Plasmapheresis has been successfully used to treat a number of illnesses including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), myasthenia gravis, Goodpasture's syndrome, multiple sclerosis, organ transplant rejection and some autoimmune diseases like lupus.

Yes, plasmapheresis is generally considered safe when performed by a healthcare professional trained in this procedure. As with any medical procedure there are potential risks involved such as infection, reactions to the new fluid being circulated through the body or an adverse reaction to the drugs used during this treatment.

The length of time for one session of plasmaphererses depends on several factors such as how much plasma needs to be extracted or replaced, how fast it needs to be replaced, and other considerations related to patient health status and safety protocols. On average though it usually takes between one and four hours per session.