Pediatric apheresis

Pediatric Apheresis

Central Venous Access Device

Pediatric apheresis is a medical procedure used to remove or exchange specific components of the blood in children. This technique is employed to treat various conditions by selectively removing harmful substances or replacing deficient blood components. Apheresis can be used for therapeutic purposes or for collecting blood components for transfusion.

Types of Apheresis

Apheresis procedures can be categorized based on the blood component being targeted:

• Plasmapheresis: This involves the removal of plasma, the liquid part of the blood, which may contain harmful antibodies or toxins. It is often used in the treatment of autoimmune disorders.

• Plateletpheresis: This procedure removes excess platelets from the blood, which can be beneficial in conditions like essential thrombocythemia.

• Leukapheresis: This involves the removal of excess white blood cells, which can be necessary in cases of leukemia or other hematological disorders.

• Erythrocytapheresis: This procedure removes red blood cells and is used in conditions such as sickle cell disease.

Indications for Pediatric Apheresis

Pediatric apheresis is indicated in various medical conditions, including:

• Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, myasthenia gravis, and systemic lupus erythematosus may benefit from plasmapheresis.

• Hematological disorders: Diseases like sickle cell anemia and hyperleukocytosis in leukemia may require erythrocytapheresis or leukapheresis.

• Metabolic disorders: Certain metabolic conditions, such as familial hypercholesterolemia, may be treated with apheresis to remove excess lipids.

Procedure

The apheresis procedure involves the use of a machine that separates blood into its components. Blood is drawn from the patient through a central venous access device, processed by the apheresis machine, and the desired component is removed or exchanged. The remaining blood is then returned to the patient.

Blood Clotting Cascade

Risks and Complications

While generally safe, pediatric apheresis can have potential risks and complications, including:

• Infection: Due to the use of central venous access devices, there is a risk of infection.

• Bleeding: The procedure can affect blood clotting, leading to an increased risk of bleeding.

• Hypocalcemia: The use of anticoagulants during the procedure can lead to low calcium levels, causing symptoms like tingling or muscle cramps.

Related Pages

• Apheresis
• Blood transfusion
• Hematology
• Pediatrics