Apheresis activity in Venezuela.

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Hematology
• Blood Transfusion

Background:

• Apheresis activity has significantly increased in Venezuela since 1976.
• By 2003, 80 apheresis machines were operational, conducting numerous donor and therapeutic procedures nationwide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the therapeutic apheresis activity at Venezuela's Metropolitan Blood Bank between 1999 and 2003.
• To analyze patient demographics, procedures performed, and adverse events.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 597 therapeutic apheresis procedures performed on 171 patients.
• Procedures were conducted during 212 crisis episodes, with a focus on therapeutic plasma exchange.

Main Results:

• The average patient age was 38 years (65% male, 35% female).
• Therapeutic plasma exchange was primarily used for hematology diseases, including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemophilia inhibitors.
• 184 procedures utilized the Autopheresis-C system, with hypotension and allergic reactions to plasma being the most frequent adverse effects (3.9%).

Conclusions:

• Therapeutic apheresis, particularly plasma exchange, is a vital procedure for managing hematological conditions in Venezuela.
• The Metropolitan Blood Bank demonstrates significant capacity and experience in performing these complex treatments.
• Apheresis procedures at this center are associated with a low incidence of adverse events.