Treatment with plasma exchange may serve benefical effect in patients with severe hyperbilirubinemia: A single center experience

Hyperbilirubinemia is a common clinical manifestation, and may be life threatening. Many diseases result in hyperbilirubinemias, some are refractory, and cannot be cured by medication or surgery. Plasma exchange (PE) for hyperbilirubinemia is not a pathogenesis oriented therapy but strives for the opportunity to cure. In the present study, we aimed to present the outcomes of treatment of hyperbilirubinemia with PE in patients with various disorders. Eleven patients who underwent PE due to hyperbilirubinemia between 2006 and 2012 in Apheresis Unit of Erciyes University, were retrospectively reviewed. After PE, we observed a marked decline in total and direct bilirubin levels. The decline in the biochemical values were statically significant (p < 0.003). Both total and direct bilirubin levels remained above the normal limits in one of 11 patients. PE should be considered as an effective and safe option in cases with hyperbilirubinemia, and this procedure can improve survival in patients with sufficient residual capacity of liver regeneration.