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Apheresis: What is it and What Diseases is it Used for?

Apheresis is a medical procedure that involves the removal of blood from a patient's body, filtering it to remove disease-causing agents, and returning the remaining blood components back to the body. This procedure is also known as therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) or extracorporeal therapy (ECT). Apheresis is used to treat various autoimmune and hematologic disorders.

Types of Apheresis

There are several types of apheresis, including:

1. Plasmapheresis:

This type of apheresis is used to remove plasma from the blood. Plasma is the liquid part of the blood that contains various proteins, including antibodies, which can cause autoimmune diseases. Plasmapheresis is used to treat autoimmune diseases such as myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and lupus.

2. Red Blood Cell Exchange:

This type of apheresis is used to remove red blood cells from the blood. It is used to treat sickle cell anemia and other red blood cell disorders.

3. Plateletpheresis:

This type of apheresis is used to remove platelets from the blood. It is used to treat thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and other platelet disorders.

4. Leukapheresis:

This type of apheresis is used to remove white blood cells from the blood. It is used to treat leukemia and other white blood cell disorders.

How is Apheresis Performed?

Apheresis is performed using a machine called an apheresis machine. The machine is connected to the patient's body through a catheter that is inserted into a vein. The blood is removed from the patient's body and passed through the machine, which separates the blood components. The unwanted components, such as plasma or white blood cells, are removed, and the remaining components, such as red blood cells, are returned to the patient's body.

Risks and Side Effects of Apheresis

Apheresis is generally considered a safe procedure. However, like any medical procedure, there are risks and potential side effects. The most common side effects of apheresis include dizziness, nausea, and muscle cramps. In rare cases, apheresis can lead to infection, bleeding, or allergic reactions to the anticoagulants used during the procedure.

Conclusion

Apheresis is a medical procedure that is used to treat various autoimmune and hematologic disorders. It involves filtering the patient's blood to remove disease-causing agents and returning the remaining blood components back to the body. Apheresis is generally considered a safe procedure, and the most common side effects are mild and temporary. If you think you may benefit from apheresis, talk to your doctor to see if it is the right treatment option for you.