Plasmapheresis and renal replacement therapy in children

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Timothy E Bunchman1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Transplantation, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35233, USA. Tbunchman@peds.uab.edu

Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|May 16, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Extracorporeal techniques like plasmapheresis and renal replacement therapy are increasingly used for pediatric diseases. These therapies, often used together, treat conditions from sepsis to kidney disease.

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.

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