Therapeutic Plasma Exchange and Its Impact on Drug Levels: An ACLPS Critical Review

Abstract

Objectives: To examine and summarize the current literature on the effects of therapeutic plasma exchange on medication levels.

Methods: Literature review was performed via searches of the Cochrane Database and PubMed-MEDLINE (1996 to August 2016) looking for all case reports, case series, and human randomized controlled trials involving therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE)-associated drug removal.

Results: Approximately 60 peer-reviewed articles were identified with the majority being case reports; no randomized controlled trials were identified. These reports and the authors' own experiences were used to derive practical guidance regarding the effect of TPE on circulating drug levels.

Conclusions: There were several limitations with existing studies, many of which relate to procedural and/or clinical properties of patients undergoing TPE. As such, additional studies are needed before definitive guidelines can be established. There is clear need for development of consensus and additional investigations in this domain.

Keywords: Pathology consultation; Pharmacokinetics; Therapeutic plasma exchange.