Plasma Exchange Transfusion for Hepatic Coma New Technic

Abstract

A new technic is presented for continuous plasma and whole‐blood exchange transfusions, using the NCI‐IBM continuous‐flow Blood Cell Separator. An additional case of hepatic coma resulting from acute fulminant infectious hepatitis unresponsive to conservative management treated with exchange transfusions is reported. During six exchanges, 39.5 liters of the patient's plasma and whole blood were replaced without clinical improvement. The exchange transfusions were performed without complication from the procedure or from the use of blood products anticoagulated with heparin and ACD. This technic is simple, rapid, and safe.