Therapeutic apheresis in hematopoietic cell transplantation

With the introduction of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), transplant-associated problems like graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and transplant-associated microangiopathy (TAM) have occurred. In addition, approximately 40% of allogeneic HSCTs are performed across the ABO blood group barrier, bearing the risk for immunohematological complications like severe hemolysis and pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). All these problems can potentially require therapeutic apheresis. In this review, we address recent developments in therapeutic apheresis for patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT for prevention or treatment of hemolysis in minor ABO-incompatible transplantation, treatment of PRCA after major ABO-incompatible transplantation, and treatment of TAM and GVHD.