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Rheopheresis in vascular diseases
M Ferrannini1, G Vischini, E Staffolani
1Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy. m.ferrannini@inwind.it
The International Journal of Artificial Organs
|November 10, 2007
Summary
Rheopheresis therapy effectively treats microvascular diseases like Age-related Macular Degeneration and Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease. This hemorheotherapy improves patient outcomes with no observed adverse effects, enhancing visual acuity and healing ulcers.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Diseases
- Ophthalmology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Endothelial dysfunction is a key factor in microvascular diseases like Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease (PAOD).
- Rheopheresis therapy is a hemorheotherapy that modifies blood rheology and improves endothelial function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of rheopheresis in patients suffering from microcirculatory diseases.
- Assessing the impact of rheopheresis on visual acuity in AMD patients and ulcer healing in PAOD patients.
Main Methods:
- Eight patients (3 with AMD, 5 with PAOD/uremia) underwent rheopheresis using Membrane Differential Filtration (MDF).
- Treatment protocols varied: weekly for AMD patients over ten weeks, and twice-weekly for three weeks followed by weekly sessions for PAOD patients.
Main Results:
- Significant improvement in visual acuity was observed in all treated AMD patients.
- Complete pain resolution and ulcer remission in 3 out of 5 PAOD patients; partial remission in others.
- No adverse effects were reported during the rheopheresis treatment.
Conclusions:
- Rheopheresis is a safe and effective hemorheotherapy for microvascular conditions.
- The study demonstrates positive clinical outcomes for patients with AMD and PAOD treated with rheopheresis.
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