Plasma for health

Plasma for health

During Plasma Awareness Week, we introduce you to an exciting world where plasma plays a fundamental role in the field of health and medical research.

What is plasma?

Plasma proteins derived from plasma

Plasma contains a large number of proteins that ensure the proper functioning of our body, among which the following stand out:

• Immunoglobulins: defenses that protect us from infections.
• Clotting factors: along with platelets, they are responsible for stopping bleeding when we cut ourselves.
• Growth factors: crucial for cell repair and regeneration.
• Albumin: a protein that transports hormones and medications to the tissues.
• Alpha-1 antitrypsin: used in the treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which can lead to lung and liver diseases.

The importance of plasma for Alpha 1 Antitrypsin deficiency

Plasma therapy for alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency involves the intravenous infusion of purified AAT from donor human plasma, which is the only known targeted treatment to prevent or slow the progression of emphysema.

This protein replacement helps protect the lungs from tissue destruction caused by other proteases, and its level in the blood can be monitored to ensure its effectiveness.

What is Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency?

DAAT is a hereditary genetic disease.

In its severe forms, it predisposes individuals to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema, as well as liver disease.

Diagnosis is established by determining the serum concentration of AAT, followed by phenotyping and genotyping, although the latter is more commonly used due to its lower cost and easier access.

What should be taken into account?

This disease is the most common cause of severe pulmonary emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults, as well as the most common cause of liver disease in children.

It is more common than other rare lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Symptoms of Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

They vary depending on the severity and type of genetic mutation of the disorder, and external factors also play a role.

Alpha 1 dementia affects approximately 3.4 million people worldwide.

It is estimated that up to 90% of people with severe alpha 1 dementia remain undiagnosed, despite the existence of simple screening tests that can quickly detect the disease.

Plasma donation for health

Plasma donation, or plasmapheresis, involves drawing blood, separating the blood cells using a cell separator, retaining the plasma, and returning the remaining blood to the donor through the same line.

The donation process takes about 45 minutes, and because plasma is primarily water, the donor recovers very quickly and can donate more frequently. Plasma can be donated every 15 days.

Of the 5 liters of blood that an average 70-kilogram person has, about 3 liters are plasma.

Who can donate plasma?

To donate plasma, you must meet the same requirements as for blood donation.

You must be between 18 and 70 years old, weigh more than 50 kilos (110 pounds), be in good health, and, in the case of women, not be pregnant.

Also, if you have donated blood, you must wait one month before your next donation.

All blood types are valid, although blood type AB is the universal plasma donor, compatible with all recipients.

The importance of plasma in health and medicine

The importance of plasma in health and medicine

In the medical field, it is essential for transfusions in major surgeries, trauma, and conditions involving blood loss.

In addition, it is used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, providing antibodies and immune proteins.

To address coagulation disorders, such as hemophilia, plasma provides necessary clotting factors, and in the context of infections, such as COVID-19, convalescent plasma therapy is used, taking advantage of the antibodies present in the plasma of recovered individuals.

What is blood plasma used for?

Functions of plasma in the blood

Medical properties of blood plasma

• Clotting capacity: Crucial in the prevention and treatment of bleeding.
• Nutrient and waste transport: Acts as a transport medium for essential nutrients, gases, and waste products, facilitating exchange between tissues and organs.
• Immunoglobulins and antibodies: Their role is vital in the immune response, useful in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and convalescent plasma therapy.
• Regulation of blood volume and pressure: Albumin in plasma helps maintain osmotic pressure and blood volume, crucial for homeostasis and cardiovascular function.
• Compatibility for transfusions: Allows for compatible blood transfusions, as cellular components (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) can be separated from the plasma, facilitating the administration of specific components according to the patient’s needs.
• Supports immune function: Plasma is rich in antibodies (immunoglobulins), crucial for the immune system to fight infections and neutralize pathogens. That is why plasma-derived proteins are valuable in patients with immune deficiencies.

Spread the message

We are calling on blood donors, regarding the need to donate plasma, as both are urgently needed in our country to continue saving lives.

Source: Centro Andaluz Alfa 1, Grifols, Centromedicoabc