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Updated: May 29, 2026
04:49
Automated Counterflow Centrifugal System for Small-Scale Cell Processing
Published on: December 12, 2019
Conventional apheresis therapies: a review
1Division of Nephrology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA. dmward@ucsd.edu
Journal of Clinical Apheresis
|September 2, 2011
Summary
This review covers advances in plasmapheresis and cytapheresis therapies, highlighting molecular biology
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Immunology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Advances in molecular biology provide a framework for understanding plasmapheresis.
- Newly characterized autoantibodies are relevant to neuromyelitis optica, Guillain-Barre variants, and ANCA vasculitides.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review scientific basis and medical practice of plasmapheresis and cytapheresis.
- To clarify appropriate use of therapeutic plasmapheresis (TPE) in various diseases.
- To compare centrifugal (cTPE) and membrane filtration (mTPE) plasmapheresis.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trials and scientific literature.
- Comparison of cTPE and mTPE systems, including efficiency and practical considerations.
- Discussion of plasmapheresis prescription, anticoagulation, and replacement fluids.
Main Results:
- cTPE is more efficient in plasma removal than mTPE.
- mTPE requires higher blood flow rates or longer procedures due to lower plasma extraction ratio.
- Conventional TPE effectively depletes autoantibodies when plasma is discarded; on-line processing is less efficient but avoids replacement fluids.
Conclusions:
- Plasmapheresis and cytapheresis therapies are advancing, supported by molecular biology.
- Clinical trials continue to define TPE's role in autoimmune and neurological diseases.
- Understanding the differences between cTPE and mTPE is crucial for optimizing treatment.
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