12/02/2026
Day 3 Plasmapheresis
What is Plasmapheresis?
Plasmapheresis (also called plasma exchange or PLEX) is a procedure that:
1. Removes blood from your body
2. Separates and removes the plasma (the liquid part of blood)
3. Replaces it with clean plasma substitute (albumin or donor plasma)
4. Returns the blood back to you
In MG, the plasma contains harmful antibodies that attack the connection between nerves and muscles. Plasmapheresis removes those antibodies.
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How Does It Help in Myasthenia Gravis?
MG happens because your immune system makes antibodies that block or destroy acetylcholine receptors.
Plasmapheresis helps by:
✔ Removing circulating MG antibodies
✔ Improving muscle strength
✔ Reducing weakness
✔ Helping breathing muscles
✔ Improving swallowing and speech
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When Is It Used in MG?
Doctors usually use plasmapheresis for:
🔹 Myasthenic crisis (breathing difficulty — emergency)
🔹 Severe worsening symptoms
🔹 Before surgery (like thymectomy)
🔹 When fast improvement is needed
🔹 If IVIG is not effective
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How Fast Does It Work?
Good news — it works quickly.
• Improvement may start in a few days
• Maximum effect usually within 1–2 weeks
• Effect lasts about 3–6 weeks (sometimes shorter or longer depending on the person)
It is not a permanent cure — it’s a temporary reset while other medications continue working.
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Benefits for Someone Like You
Since you have MG and sometimes deal with fatigue and weakness:
Plasmapheresis can:
• Give faster relief compared to waiting for oral meds
• Help during severe flare-ups
• Improve breathing strength (important especially if sleep apnea is suspected)
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Possible Side Effects (Important to Know)
⚠ Low blood pressure
⚠ Dizziness
⚠ Risk of infection (if central line used)
⚠ Temporary fatigue after procedure
⚠ Electrolyte imbalance
Most side effects are manageable in hospital.
