IVIG vs. plasmapheresis
 

Could someone who's had both tell me the differences? The IVIG only lasted me two weeks, so I'm wondering about plasmapheresis if I tank again. How many days does it last? Do you need a port instead of an IV? How is that put in--under just local anesthesia or what? And how long does it stay in? Thanks.

Abby

Hi Abby,
I've been lurking here for a few months and you prompted me to join today with your question. I had plasmapheresis last year before having a thymectomy. I had a triple lumen catheter placed in my jugular for two weeks. It was visible on the side of my neck. The catheter was placed as outpatient surgery with sedation.
I understand that plasmapheresis can also be done using peripheral IV's. In my case my surgeon wanted access to a large vein. It apparently is easier to do this way. I had 5 treatments and started to notice a decrease in symptoms after a week. The improvement lasted about 6 weeks. I now have IVIG once every month and the results aren't as good as with plasmapheresis. I usually have three weeks of improvement of varying degrees with IVIG.

Hey! I'm on my phone right now and when I get home I'll explain my 2 cents worth- I've had both many many times

Alright-

Abby, I started plasmapheresis before I had my thymectomy to make me strong enough for surgery. They first thought they were going to have to do with it with a port, (you cannot do with w a picc line) a port is much more of a process, and you cannot go home with a port, you have to stay in the hospital.



They will put an IV in one anticub of your arm, and then in the other as Im sure youve heard of. The plasmapheresis for me was a temporary fix when i was in a crisis mode- they would admit me to the hospital because of my breathing, and then start plex the next day or that day depending on the weakness. The max time it lasted me was 2 1/2 weeks, and that was the best one. I think IVIG in general will last longer than the plex...but thats my opinion and from my knowledge.

If you have good veins, (and trust me they avoid putting a port in at all costs) then they will just use your peripheral viens every time. They are trained at getting even the worst of veins to work, so even if they are worn out they should be able to get some type of access without a port, staying in the hospital that long, is no fun..

So my overall view: plasmapheresis is more for a crisis type thing, and I would save it, if you can because IVIG takes longer to work....

IVIG is more of a stable type of medicine that keeps you going if you are feeling somewhat well..


If this comes across as confusing, Im sorry, didnt mean it to. Please tell me to clarify things if you need them to be.

(Ive had plex~60 times, and ivig monthly since september 09.

Thanks, everyone. That's exactly the stuff I wanted to know. This forum is terrifc.

Abby

The triple lumen catheter was called a quinton catheter and was situated on the side of my neck at the base of my clavicle. I had to stop working as soon as it was placed so it wouldn't get disrupted. I wouldn't have continued anyway since it looked pretty bad and I felt so bad. I definitely didn't have to stay in the hospital for it though. I had heard that others were admitted for the entire course of PLEX. I'm so thankful they let me go home. It definitely helped my breathing and strength prior to surgery and I was able to get off the vent before going to ICU.