Plasmapheresis during pregnancy.

Plasmapheresis, a process in which blood is withdrawn, the plasma removed, and the red cells reinfused after resuspension in a replacement solution, has been used for a variety of conditions during pregnancy, but is most useful in the treatment of pregnancy complicated by thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura or persistent postpartum microangiopathic hemolytic disorders. A low risk of morbidity and fatalities associated with plasmapheresis has been reported, but the incidence of these complications does not seem to be affected by pregnancy.