PLEX
Medical abbreviation · Neurology
| Stands for | Plasma exchange |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
PLEX stands for Plasma exchange, a neurology abbreviation.
Procedure that removes the patient's plasma, including harmful antibodies and immune complexes, and replaces it with albumin or donor plasma, usually as five exchanges over about ten days. Neurological uses include Guillain-Barré syndrome, myasthenic crisis, CIDP and severe attacks of NMOSD or multiple sclerosis.
Example: Myasthenic crisis with FVC 1.1 L: PLEX started via dialysis catheter, 5 sessions planned.
Usage notes
Also called plasmapheresis or therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). The American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) publishes evidence categories for each indication. PLEX works faster than IVIG in some conditions, but it requires large-bore venous access and can cause low blood pressure, bleeding and low calcium. It is also the main treatment for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Related abbreviations
More neurology abbreviations
- NPH – Normal pressure hydrocephalus
- OCB – Oligoclonal bands
- PCom – Posterior communicating artery
- PCS – Post-concussion syndrome
- PD – Parkinson's disease
- PICA – Posterior inferior cerebellar artery
- PML – Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
- PN – Peripheral neuropathy
- PNES – Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures
- PPA – Primary progressive aphasia
- PPMS – Primary progressive multiple sclerosis
- PRES – Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome
See all 131 neurology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.