Medical warnings regarding plasmapheresis misuse in Greece

Following the death of singer Giorgos Mazonakis during a plasmapheresis session at a private clinic, medical professionals in Greece have issued warnings regarding the misuse of the procedure. The Hellenic Society of Hematology cautioned against the trend of using plasmapheresis in luxury longevity clinics for detoxification or anti-aging, noting it is not a scientifically validated method for general wellness and carries risks such as cardiovascular complications, hypotension, and heart rhythm disturbances.

The society further clarified that while hematopoietic stem cells are used in hospital settings for bone marrow transplants, their use for other purposes remains unproven and potentially dangerous. The procedure is increasingly marketed in luxury settings as a ‘biological service’ to reduce inflammation and slow aging, despite these risks.

In response to media reports, the First Nephrology Clinic of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) at Hippocrates Hospital clarified that therapeutic plasmapheresis is a highly specialized medical method intended to remove pathological substances, such as autoantibodies or immune complexes, from the blood. The clinic emphasized that the procedure involves an extracorporeal circulation method where plasma is replaced with fluids like fresh frozen plasma or albumin. They stressed that the treatment must be conducted under strict conditions within organized hospital units to treat serious renal, hematological, neurological, or immunological conditions, rather than for cosmetic or wellness purposes.