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Therapeutic apheresis in pediatrics: technique adjustments, indications and nonindications, a plasma exchange focus

Edward C C Wong1, Rasheed A Balogun

  • 1Division of Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's National Medical Center and George Washington School of Medicine and Health Science, Washington, DC, USA. ewong@cnmc.org

Journal of Clinical Apheresis
|April 3, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric therapeutic apheresis presents unique challenges, often relying on adult data. This review focuses on plasma exchange in children, addressing clinical, psychological, and technical adaptations for safe treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Therapeutic apheresis in children faces unique challenges, often extrapolated from adult practices.
  • Pediatric-specific clinical, psychological, and technical modifications are crucial for safe and effective treatments.
  • Evidence-based guidelines for pediatric apheresis are often lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the unique aspects and challenges of therapeutic apheresis in pediatric patients.
  • To emphasize the performance and considerations for plasma exchange in children.
  • To consolidate knowledge presented at the Therapeutic Apheresis Academy (2011).

Main Methods:

  • Review of literature and clinical practices concerning pediatric therapeutic apheresis.
  • Focus on adaptations required for pediatric plasma exchange.
  • Synthesis of information presented at a specialized academy meeting.

Main Results:

  • Therapeutic apheresis in children requires significant modifications from adult protocols.
  • Plasma exchange is a common apheresis procedure in pediatric care.
  • Addressing psychological and technical aspects is vital for successful pediatric apheresis.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric therapeutic apheresis necessitates tailored approaches, distinct from adult medicine.
  • Plasma exchange protocols in children require careful consideration of age-specific needs.
  • Further research and evidence-based guidelines are needed for pediatric apheresis.

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