What are the side effects of PE and IVIG?
PE induces fluid shifts and can cause electrolyte imbalance, anemia, and thrombocytopenia.
In addition, PE often requires a central line, which carries some placement and infection risk.
IVIG can rarely precipitate renal failure, especially in diabetics, and may cause aseptic meningitis, resulting in headache.
It increases blood viscosity, and may increase cardiac and stroke risk in elderly subjects.
It also causes transient myelosuppression, though this is usually mild. Unlike PE, IVIG may be protective against infection.