[Testing a cellulose diacetate membrane for plasma exchange (author's transl)].

A cellulose diacetate membrane was tested in 60 plasma exchanges (PE) carried out in 16 patients. Access to the vascular compartment was obtained through one single puncture by inserting a catheter into the femoral vein, the blood circuit being provided with an alternating clamp. The exchange of 2 plasma volumes (72.3 +/- 16 ml/kg) reduced IgG, IgA and IgM concentrations to 30.9 +/- 12.1%, 31.6 +/- 14.5% and 28.3 %/- 15.0% respectively of pre-PE concentrations. Similarly, the C3 and C4 complement fractions and factor B were reduced to 32 +/- 12%, 33 +/- 15% and 36 +/- 16% respectively of pre-PE values. The membrane was used several times in 7 patients; its performance remained the same after 3 consecutive uses. In view of its effectiveness and ease of application, the cellulose diacetate membrane appears to be particularly suitable for plasma exchanges in intensive care units.