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Abstract

Introduction: 

Therapeutic large-volume plasmapheresis (LVP) effectively manages neurological diseases, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and myasthenia gravis (MG), but it induces alterations in intravascular volume, necessitating vigilant monitoring. This study investigated the hemodynamic changes and the utility of non-invasive cardiac output monitoring (NICOM) during LVP.

Methods: 

This prospective observational study included 50 neurological patients receiving their first LVP cycle. Standard monitoring of heart rate (HR), non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP), pulse oximetry (SpO2), and cardiac output (CO) using NICOM was performed. Changes in HR, NIBP, CO, total peripheral resistance (TPR), stroke volume (SV), and stroke volume variation (SVV) were recorded at baseline and multiple time points during LVP.

Results: 

The mean age was 36 ± 15.05 years. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) significantly decreased from baseline at 30 and 60 minutes, and LVP completion (P < 0.05). While HR and systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) remained stable, SV, CO, and cardiac index (CI) significantly decreased (P < 0.05), peaking at 60 minutes. TPR significantly increased (P < 0.05) with a maximum of 30 minutes. The volume of plasma removed directly influenced CO, CI, and SV changes (P < 0.05).

Discussion: 

LVP induced transient hemodynamic alterations, primarily affecting CO and TPR. Despite fluid replacement, significant changes occurred, highlighting the need for close CO monitoring, especially in GBS patients with potential autonomic dysfunction.

Conclusion: 

LVP significantly alters hemodynamics, impacting CO and TPR. Standard monitoring might miss these changes, emphasizing the importance of NICOM, particularly in neurological patients. Further research is warranted to solidify NICOM’s role in optimizing LVP protocols and improving patient outcomes.