【Abstract】Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) achieves the treatment purpose by separating and removing the soluble pathogenic substances in plasma and supplementing fluid, electrolytes, plasma components by replacement fluid. Red cell alloimmunization, thrombotic microangiopathy, autoimmune diseases, and lipids disorders in pregnant women are the indications considered to use TPE. The present article reviews the indications and side effects of TPE, in order to provide references useful for clinical practice of this therapeutic method.