What Diseases Can Be Treated With Apheresis?

Apheresis is a treatment option that works to remove blood from a patient. Donor blood may also be used. The blood is put into a centrifuge and separated. The parts withdrawn include platelets, plasma, and leukocytes, depending on the condition being treated. Once these are pulled out, they are transfused back into the patient. Certain blood components may contribute to different medical conditions. By removing these, the theory is the disease will improve. There are several medical conditions apheresis may be used for. If patients have any of these conditions, their doctor will evaluate their condition and help them to determine if apheresis is a viable treatment option.

Goodpasture's Syndrome

Goodpasture's syndrome is a type of autoimmune disease that typically affects individuals over sixty or those in early adulthood. The lungs and kidneys can experience damage due to autoimmune proteins accumulating in these organs. Initial symptoms may include weakness, appetite loss, lethargy, paleness, and nausea. This condition can be life-threatening when left untreated.

Plasmapheresis is one of the treatment options. This procedure is done to remove anti-GBM antibodies. On average, patients undergo this procedure every other day or even daily. The plasma exchanges are typically four liters. The course of treatment usually continues until these antibodies are not detected, and the clinical course of the disease improves.

Reveal the next condition apheresis can treat now.