Immune disorders are conditions that affect the body’s immune system, either by weakening it or causing it to malfunction. These disorders can be broadly classified into two main categories: immunodeficiencies (which include primary and secondary immunodeficiency diseases) and autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.

Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (PIDD)

Primary immunodeficiency (PIDD) refers to a group of over 400 disorders caused by inherited or genetic defects in the immune system. These defects lead to a weakened immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections, autoimmune disorders, and certain types of cancer.

Some common types of PIDD include:

Plasma contains a variety of essential proteins and antibodies that play crucial roles in immune function and blood clotting. Some key components of plasma include immunoglobulins, antibodies that help fight infections, and clotting factors, proteins that aid in blood clotting to prevent excessive bleeding.

Plasma-derived therapies are treatments made from the proteins and antibodies found in donated plasma. These therapies are used to treat a variety of conditions, including immune disorders.

One of the most common plasma-derived therapies for immune disorders is immunoglobulin replacement therapy. This treatment involves administering concentrated antibodies to patients with PIDD or certain autoimmune diseases to boost their immune response and prevent infections.

Plasma is collected from volunteer donors through a process called plasmapheresis. During this procedure, blood is drawn from the donor’s arm and passed through a machine that separates the plasma from the other blood components. The plasma is then collected, and the remaining blood components are returned to the donor.

Once collected, the plasma undergoes a rigorous process of testing, fractionation, and purification to ensure its safety and efficacy. This process involves removing any potential contaminants and concentrating the desired proteins and antibodies.

After processing, the plasma-derived products are distributed to hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies around the world. These products are then administered to patients with immune disorders as part of their treatment plan.

For patients with immune disorders, plasma-derived therapies can significantly improve their quality of life by reducing the frequency and severity of infections, alleviating symptoms, and allowing them to lead more active and fulfilling lives.

In some cases, these therapies are critical in saving lives. For example, infants with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) require immediate treatment to survive, and immunoglobulin replacement therapy is often the only way to boost their weakened immune systems.

As more people are diagnosed with immune disorders and the population continues to grow, the demand for plasma-derived therapies is steadily increasing. However, the supply of plasma is not keeping up with this demand, leading to shortages and delays in treatment.

To ensure that patients with immune disorders have access to the treatments they need, it’s crucial to encourage more people to donate plasma. By donating plasma regularly, you can make a significant impact on the lives of those battling these challenging conditions.

Plasma donation is an essential part of the treatment process for patients with immune disorders, providing life-saving therapies for conditions like primary immunodeficiency and autoimmune diseases. By understanding the role of plasma, including therapeutic plasma exchange, and its profound impact on patients’ lives, we hope to inspire more people to consider becoming plasma donors.