Therapeutic apheresis in children: special considerations

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Published on: March 14, 2017

Stuart L Goldstein1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206, USA. stuart.goldstein@cchmc.org

Seminars in Dialysis
|January 27, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Therapeutic apheresis in children requires specialized knowledge of pediatric diseases and technical skills. This review focuses on common pediatric conditions treated with apheresis and safe, effective technical considerations for children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Pediatric Critical Care

Background:

  • Therapeutic apheresis in children presents unique challenges due to specialized disease processes.
  • Existing apheresis protocols are often based on adult studies with limited pediatric data.
  • Safe and effective apheresis requires tailored approaches for pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review common pediatric diseases requiring therapeutic apheresis.
  • To discuss technical considerations for apheresis in children.
  • To provide guidance for safe and effective pediatric apheresis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of pediatric therapeutic apheresis.
  • Analysis of disease-specific indications for apheresis in children.
  • Evaluation of technical aspects and challenges in pediatric apheresis.

Main Results:

  • Identified key pediatric conditions commonly treated with apheresis.
  • Highlighted differences in apheresis protocols between adult and pediatric populations.
  • Emphasized the need for specialized training and equipment for pediatric apheresis.

Conclusions:

  • Therapeutic apheresis in children is feasible but requires careful consideration of disease and technical factors.
  • Adaptation of adult protocols is necessary for pediatric application.
  • Further research is needed to optimize apheresis in pediatric populations.

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