Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE), also called Plasmapheresis, is a specialized blood purification procedure used to remove harmful antibodies, toxins, or abnormal proteins from the blood.
During this procedure, a portion of the patient’s plasma (the liquid part of blood) is separated and replaced with fresh plasma or a plasma substitute, helping to control autoimmune diseases, neurological conditions, and certain blood disorders. TPE is performed under expert supervision using advanced apheresis machines at Baby Memorial Hospital’s Nephrology and Critical Care Units.
Therapeutic plasma exchange is a medical treatment that cleans the blood by removing and replacing plasma. Plasma often contains antibodies or harmful substances that cause disease or interfere with normal body function.
By replacing this plasma, TPE helps the body recover and reduces disease activity in conditions where the immune system is overactive.
TPE is used for a wide range of serious medical conditions, including:
Your specialist will determine the need and frequency of TPE based on the disease and clinical response.
Yes. When performed in a hospital setting by trained specialists, TPE is safe and well-tolerated. Possible but mild side effects include:
At BMH, patients are continuously monitored by nephrologists, intensivists, and trained nurses throughout the procedure to ensure safety and comfort.
| Aspect | Hemodialysis | Hemoperfusion | Plasma Exchange (TPE) |
| Target | Small molecules (urea, creatinine) | Toxins, drugs, cytokines | Antibodies, immune complexes, plasma proteins |
| Mechanism | Diffusion through membrane | Adsorption by cartridge | Plasma removal and replacement |
| Used in | Kidney failure | Poisoning, inflammation | Autoimmune, neurological, hematologic diseases |
| Replacement Fluid | None | None | Plasma or albumin |
TPE is not a kidney support therapy, but an immunomodulatory treatment that alters disease processes by removing harmful plasma components.
TPE is carried out by a multidisciplinary team at BMH, including:
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with an autoimmune, neurological, or hematologic condition that requires advanced blood purification therapy, the Nephrology, Neurology & Critical Care Teams at Baby Memorial Hospital (BMH) offer Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) using state-of-the-art apheresis technology and expert clinical care for safe and effective outcomes.
👉 Book an Appointment Online or visit BMH to consult our specialists and learn more about this advanced treatment.