In 2009 the Influenza A (H1N1) virus caused a global flu pandemic. It was commonly known as "swine flu" due to the presence of genetic elements from swine influenza. Recently a second occurrence of swine flu in India has claimed 13 lives, and continues to be a threat. 1
Research underaken at Louisiana State University points to the usage of plasma exchange to treat patients with swine flu.2 In these patients the disease reached severe proportions, being associated with inflammation of the lungs, shortness of breath, low blood-oxygen levels, and compromised circulation.
All the patients received three exchanges of blood plasma on consecutive days, showed no side effects, and survived despite the fact that the disease was expected to be fatal.
A critical key to the efficacy of this treatment was the already existent infrastructure that facilitated rapid response. This treatment provides an alternative when other treatments have been unsuccessful in addressing serious complications of swine flu.
1 H1N1 vaccination drive for medical, para-medical staff launched. The Times of India: Aug 8, 2010.
Source
2Patel P et al. Use of therapeutic plasma exchange as a rescue therapy in 2009 pH1N1 influenza-An associated respiratory failure and hemodynamic shock. Pediatric Critical Care Medicine doi: 10.1097/PCC.0b013e3181e2a569 (2010)
Source
Research underaken at Louisiana State University points to the usage of plasma exchange to treat patients with swine flu.2 In these patients the disease reached severe proportions, being associated with inflammation of the lungs, shortness of breath, low blood-oxygen levels, and compromised circulation.
All the patients received three exchanges of blood plasma on consecutive days, showed no side effects, and survived despite the fact that the disease was expected to be fatal.
A critical key to the efficacy of this treatment was the already existent infrastructure that facilitated rapid response. This treatment provides an alternative when other treatments have been unsuccessful in addressing serious complications of swine flu.
1 H1N1 vaccination drive for medical, para-medical staff launched. The Times of India: Aug 8, 2010.
Source
2Patel P et al. Use of therapeutic plasma exchange as a rescue therapy in 2009 pH1N1 influenza-An associated respiratory failure and hemodynamic shock. Pediatric Critical Care Medicine doi: 10.1097/PCC.0b013e3181e2a569 (2010)
Source
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