What is the purpose of therapeutic plasmapheresis?

Therapeutic plasmapheresis is a procedure used to remove plasma from the blood and replace it with either a substitute solution or donor plasma. The primary purpose of this treatment is to address various conditions that involve abnormalities in the plasma component of the blood. This includes autoimmune diseases, conditions associated with the presence of harmful antibodies, or the buildup of certain toxic substances in the plasma.

When it comes to conditions like myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, therapeutic plasmapheresis can effectively reduce the levels of pathological components present in the plasma, thus alleviating the symptoms and contributing to improved patient outcomes.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of therapeutic plasmapheresis. Preventing febrile transfusion reactions is more related to blood transfusion protocols and managing reactions rather than directly treating plasma conditions. Treating cytomegalovirus infection generally involves antiviral medications rather than removing plasma. While there is management for polycythemia, therapeutic plasmapheresis is not a standard treatment for this condition, as polycythemia primarily involves an increase in red blood cell mass rather than plasma abnormalities.