Asian Hospital conducts first ‘plasmapheresis’

Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC) recently marked another milestone in medical history when it conducted plasmapheresis for the very first time – an extensive procedure wherein a patient’s plasma is replaced by a donor’s healthy plasma.

The patient, Maricel Peñaverde, was admitted at AHMC last Oct. 18, 2002 when she suddenly became stupor and presented fever, anemia (low hemoglobin) and very low platelets (thrombocytopenia). She was initially seen by Dr. Chito Salud, a family friend, who then referred her to neurologist Dr. Vince Macalintal, hermatologist Dr. Francis Lopez, infectious disease specialist Dr. Mamelle Quellapio and cardio-thoracic surgeon Dr. Paul Montemayor.

Computed tomography (CAT) scans of her head showed no hemorrhage. Review of the peripheral smear showed fragmented red blood cells or schistocytes. Montemayor skillfully inserted the double lumen catheter in the internal jugular vein. The following day, she underwent plasmapheresis, and her plasma was replaced with approximately 2.5 to 3 liters of donor’s plasma.

This procedure was done daily for four to five hours with the use of a haemonetics apheresis machine. Au Posadas and Romy Tabios, AHMC’s dedicated blood bank technicians, together with the help of Faelanger Dutosme of Macare Medicals Inc., conducted the plasma exchange.

Maricel’s condition dramatically improved after the first session and she subsequently recovered with several plasma exchanges done in a tapering manner. The platelet count returned to normal and the anemia gradually improved. Dr. Melissa Gozum of the hospital’s Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation unit monitored Maricel’s physical progress.

Maricel’s family was thankful that AHMC was able to provide this service. They were a bit hesitant to have this procedure done at AHMC, knowing that Maricel would be the first patient to have plasma exchange. However, with the compassionate care provided by the nurses, technicians and physicians, they opted to stay. Maricel was discharged from the hospital 10 days later and this procedure continued as an out-patient.

Maricel is back home and doing well. She skipped this semester and will return to school next year. She is an active member of her church choir and plans to sing praises for the blessings she has received.

For more information on Asian Hospital and Medical Center and its comprehensive medical and surgical services, log on to www.asianhospital.com.