Plasmapheresis and renal replacement therapy in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric critical care medicine
• Nephrology
• Extracorporeal therapies

Background:

• Extracorporeal techniques for pediatric diseases have seen significant expansion.
• Plasmapheresis and renal replacement therapy are now standard in pediatric ICUs and nephrology.
• These therapies share common requirements like vascular access and nursing support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the expanded use of extracorporeal techniques in pediatric medicine.
• To highlight the diverse indications for these life-saving treatments.
• To underscore the combined application of these therapies in complex pediatric cases.

Main Methods:

• Review of current clinical practices and literature on extracorporeal therapies in pediatrics.
• Analysis of commonalities in vascular access, blood volumes, and nursing needs.
• Examination of overlapping indications for plasmapheresis and renal replacement therapy.

Main Results:

• Experience with plasmapheresis and renal replacement therapy is now widespread globally.
• Indications include vasculitis, drug removal, metabolic disorders, organ failure, renal disease, and sepsis.
• These therapies are frequently used concurrently due to shared needs and overlapping indications.

Conclusions:

• Extracorporeal therapies are vital and increasingly utilized in managing critically ill children.
• The combined use of plasmapheresis and renal replacement therapy offers synergistic benefits.
• Continued expertise in these techniques is crucial for pediatric critical care and nephrology.