International Journal of Clinical Research

Objective This study aims to summarize the characteristics, therapeutic effects, and safety of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in pediatric patients through a retrospective analysis of clinical data from seven years of TPE treatment at Jiangxi Childrens Hospital. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 105 children who received TPE treatment at Jiangxi Childrens Hospital between July 1, 2017, and June 30, 2024. Additionally, statistical analysis of mortality cases and logistic regression were used to identify risk factors associated with mortality. Results Among the 105 patients, there were 53 males and 52 females; the median age was 78 months, and the median weight was 20 kg, with a total of 192 TPE treatments performed. The main conditions treated included poisoning, gastrointestinal diseases, and several other categories. The changes in hemoglobin (HB), platelet count (PLT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) before and after treatment were statistically significant (P<0.05), with only 3 cases experiencing complications. There were a total of 30 deaths; an increased number of TPE treatments, hyperammonemia, and the need for mechanical ventilation were associated with a higher risk of mortality. Conclusion TPE is effective and safe in the treatment of critically ill children, but the number of treatments, hyperammonemia, and the requirement for mechanical ventilation are key factors influencing the risk of death.

Plasma exchange; Children; Therapeutic effect; Safety; Risk factors for mortality