Therapeutic Plasma Exchange is a medical procedure that removes a patient's blood plasma and replaces it with a substitute fluid, typically albumin and saline. The primary healthspan hypothesis is that this process dilutes and removes accumulated pro-aging factors from the bloodstream, such as inflammatory cytokines, metabolic waste, and circulating pro-fibrotic proteins. By 'cleaning' the systemic environment, TPE may help rejuvenate tissues and restore more youthful cellular function, a concept demonstrated in animal models.
Verdict
A high-potential but experimental and costly procedure lacking human longevity data.
HEALTHSPAN IMPACT
Experimental
RISK LEVEL
High
EVIDENCE GRADE
C
MONTHLY COST
$8000 - $25000
Protocol
- A series of 3-6 exchanges over several weeks, often repeated annually or semi-annually.
Flags
- Requires strict medical supervision in a clinical setting.
- Risks include infection, allergic reactions to albumin, and citrate toxicity.
- Can cause significant shifts in blood pressure and fluid balance during the procedure.
- Long-term effects of repeated treatments in healthy individuals are unknown.
- Cost is a significant barrier to access.