Risk Factors Associated with Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Plasmapheresis: A Retrospective Study

Ghassemi, Fariba; Kordestani-Moghadam, Parastou; Mohammadi, Rasool; Heidarizadeh, Khadijeh

doi:10.22087/ijac.2025.537538.1066

Risk Factors Associated with Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Plasmapheresis: A Retrospective Study

Document Type : Research

Authors

Fariba Ghassemi ¹

Parastou Kordestani-Moghadam ²

Rasool Mohammadi ³

Khadijeh Heidarizadeh ²

¹ Student Research Committee, Nursing and Midwifery School, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran

² Critical care and Emergency Nursing, Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran

³ Nutritional Health Research Center, School of Health and Nutrition, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran

10.22087/ijac.2025.537538.1066

Abstract

Plasmapheresis is an effective therapeutic modality for autoimmune and neurological disorders; however, it may be associated with certain clinical complications. Identifying risk factors associated with patient outcomes is essential for enhancing safety and quality of care. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing plasmapheresis. This retrospective study included 200 hospitalized patients who underwent plasmapheresis between 2014 and 2021 at our institution. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Demographic, laboratory, and clinical data were extracted from the patients’ medical records. Statistical analyses were performed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression models in STATA (version 25). The mean age of the patients was 42.3 years, and 58.5% were female. Overall, 14.5% of the patients died during hospitalization. Findings revealed that age >40 years (p=0.014), Covid-19 infection (p< 0.001), low calcium levels (p =0.047), number of treatment sessions (p=0.009), use of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) (p=0.020), and administration of normal saline (p=0.005) were significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality. In conclusion, several clinical and laboratory factors were associated with mortality in patients who underwent plasmapheresis. Careful monitoring of electrolytes, appropriate adjustment of treatment sessions, and optimal fluid management may improve the outcomes. The findings of this study can inform therapeutic decision-making and enhance the quality of patient care.

Keywords

Plasmapheresis

Risk factors

Mortality

Clinical outcomes

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