Successful reduction of plasma free-hemoglobin using therapeutic plasma exchange: A case report

Massive intravascular hemolysis may overwhelm hemoglobin (Hgb) clearance mechanisms leading to accumulation of excess plasma free-Hgb and subsequent acute kidney injury. We present the case of a 44-year-old male with cardiac failure necessitating placement of a subcutaneous left ventricular assist device. Following insertion, the patient developed mechanical hemolysis and an acute decline in renal function. Three therapeutic plasma exchange procedures were performed resulting in a dramatic decrease in plasma free-Hgb levels and stabilization of renal function. This demonstrates that therapeutic plasma exchange can be used to decrease plasma free-Hgb in cases of intravascular hemolysis, possibly protecting the patient from hemoglobinuric acute kidney injury.