Multiple organ failure--a role for plasma exchange?

Two patients with multiple organ failure, septicaemia and a deteriorating clinical course were treated by plasma exchange in addition to standard supportive measures. Dramatic improvements were seen in cardio-respiratory (patient 1), neurological and renal parameters (patient 2) which were attributable to the exchanges. Plasma exchange might be of value as adjunctive therapy where overwhelming septicaemia occurs with multiple organ failure.