Efficiency of therapeutic plasma exchange in critically ill systemic rheumatologic diseases: A single‐center 9‐year experience

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionTherapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), an effective method to eliminate harmful soluble mediators associated with tissue injury, serves as a crucial intervention for systemic rheumatologic diseases (SRDs). However, its value in critically ill SRDs remains uncertain. This retrospective study aims to evaluate the efficacy of TPE in SRDs.MethodsCritically ill SRD patients admitted to the department of intensive care unit of a large tertiary hospital receiving TPE from January 2011 to December 2019 were included.ResultsA total of 91 critically ill SRD patients received TPE were enrolled. Their mean age was 47.67 ± 16.35 years with a female predominance (n = 68). Significant decrease in SOFA score post‐TPE treatment was observed (p < 0.05). There were no TPE‐related fatalities. Improvement was observed in 64 (70.32%) patients.ConclusionThis study shows favorable clinical outcomes. TPE may be an acceptable treatment option for critically ill SRD patients.