Plasma Exchange in France: 11 Years Survey

Abstract

The French Registry for Plasma Exchange (PE) was set up in 1985. For 11 years it has allowed the analysis of the techniques used, along with the indications and complications. After a decrease in the number of participating centers, due to the heaviness of the data collection mode, the telematic network, created in 1991, led to a new increase in participants from 26 in 1990 to 68 in 1996. Follow up shows a slight fall in activity since some protocols have ended, while neurological pathologies remain the most frequent indications. The important modifications observed over the years are the increase of the centrifugation technique, the development of plasma treatment and plasma substitution by an association of albumin-pentastarch. The French Registry for plasma exchange is the largest data base dealing with therapeutical hemapheresis. The French-German registry set-up through internet is a first step towards a European data base.