Current applications of plasmapheresis in clinical toxicology.

The clinical applications of plasmapheresis are rapidly increasing in number and scope. This trend is also observed in the application of plasmapheresis as a method of detoxification in clinical toxicology. Because of a lack of large controlled series, the rationale for using plasmapheresis must be confirmed in each type of intoxication by evidence of effective clearance, as well as by high plasma protein binding and a low volume of distribution of the toxic substance.