Table 3.

Main complications in therapeutic plasmapheresis

Kind of complication	Explanation
Vascular access	Hematomas, bleeding, infections, punctures of arteries, thrombosis
Device issues	Packing of the plasma separator or secondary filter/column, coagulation of the extracorporeal circuit, presence of air bubbles
Hemodynamic complications	Hypotension, hypovolemia, syncope, nausea, vomiting, arrhythmias, asystole
Coagulation abnormalities	Hypofibrinogenemia, depletion of coagulation factors, hemorrhages, anemia, thrombosis
Anaphylactic reactions	Urticarial to plasma or albumin or replacement solutions, to ethylene oxide, anaphylactoid reaction from the ACE inhibitor
Electrolyte and acid base abnormalities	Citrate-induced hypocalcemia and alkalosis, albumin-induced hypokalemia, and aluminum storage
Other events	Hemolysis, apnea, convulsions, changes in body temperature, fever, chills, tingling
Death	From cardiovascular, respiratory, anaphylactic causes