A complaint alleging that a patient in Cyprus suffered serious complications following plasmapheresis and required treatment in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has raised fresh concerns about how and where the procedure is being carried out on the island.
The issue has gained renewed attention in the wake of the death of Greek singer Giorgos Mazonakis, whose reported plans to undergo plasmapheresis before suffering cardiac arrest have reignited debate about the treatment, its risks and the facilities authorised to perform it.
Complaint alleges serious complications
Speaking to Politis, cardiothoracic surgeon and co-founder of the American Medical Center, Marinos Sotiriou, claimed that a clinic or medical practice offering plasmapheresis continues to operate in Cyprus despite concerns previously brought to the attention of the Ministry of Health.
Sotiriou alleged that the facility is operating without the required authorisation and continues to provide such treatments.
He further claimed that one of its patients later required treatment at the American Medical Center and was admitted to the hospital's ICU after developing severe complications following plasmapheresis.
Ministry referred matter to police
A source at the Health Ministry confirmed to Politis that a complaint had been submitted and that ministry officials carried out inspections at the premises concerned.
According to the source, the ministry subsequently referred the case to the police for investigation.
Questions remain over the outcome of that inquiry and whether clinics or medical practices in Cyprus may still be offering plasmapheresis without the necessary approvals.
The case has also raised broader concerns about oversight of the procedure, including the qualifications of personnel performing it and the medical indications used to justify treatment.
Procedure increasingly promoted for anti-ageing
While plasmapheresis is an established treatment for a number of serious medical conditions, it has in recent years also been promoted in some settings for anti-ageing and longevity purposes.
Medical experts stress, however, that its use outside recognised medical indications is not scientifically established and may expose patients to unnecessary risks.
People considering the procedure are being urged to ensure there is a clear medical reason for treatment and to verify that it is performed in a properly licensed facility by appropriately trained professionals.
Specialists warn of risks
Haematologist Sotiris Koumas said plasmapheresis is a specialised medical procedure that should only be carried out in dedicated centres.
The treatment is used in disciplines including haematology, neurology, nephrology and some areas of rheumatology.
During the procedure, blood passes through specialised equipment that separates and removes plasma before returning blood cells to the patient together with replacement fluids.
Koumas said the technique can be life-saving in certain conditions, including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, where rapid intervention is critical.
Such cases require close coordination between haematologists, nephrologists, intensivists, surgeons and specialised nursing staff.
Potential complications
Experts note that plasmapheresis is associated with recognised risks, including:
- Bleeding or injury during catheter insertion.
- Infection or thrombosis of the catheter.
- Allergic reactions.
- Low blood pressure.
- Electrolyte disturbances.
- Cardiac arrhythmias in some cases.
Koumas said these complications can generally be managed in an appropriate hospital setting but require specialist supervision and monitoring.
"For this reason, plasmapheresis should be performed in specialised centres and only for specific medical indications," he said.
Nephrology Society issues warning
The Cyprus Nephrology Society also cautioned against the use of plasmapheresis without a clear, scientifically supported medical indication.
The society said the treatment is intended for specific autoimmune, neurological, haematological and kidney-related conditions and should be prescribed only after careful assessment by the treating physician or medical team.
It added that the procedure should be carried out exclusively in appropriately licensed hospitals or specialised nephrology units, using certified equipment and continuous patient monitoring.
The allegations have intensified scrutiny of plasmapheresis services in Cyprus and highlighted questions about regulation, licensing and patient safety.
