Abstract:

Objective To estimate the therapeutic value of plasma exchange （PE） in severe bullous dermatoses and drug eruption. Methods Plasma exchange was carried out to treat 47 patients with severe dermatoses including 15 cases of pemphigus, 17 cases of bullous pemphigoid and 15 cases of drug eruption who were intolerant or unresponsive to glucocorticosteroids and or immunosuppressants. Cobe Spectra blood cell separator was utilized to collect plasma and cell components from patients′ blood, and the replacement fluid and cell components were infused back into patients. Patients received 1 to 3 sessions of plasma exchange. Results Of the 47 patients, 44 （93.62%） achieved satisfactory efficacy with relief of clinical symptoms and improvement of laboratory parameters 2 to 3 days after the plasma exchange. Side effects occurred in 11 （23.4%） patients, which included fever, shivering, numbness of limbs, pruritus and convulsion. Conclusion Plasma exchange is beneficial for the control of severe drug eruption and bullous dermatoses.

Key words: Plasma exchange, dermatoses