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Abstarct: Introduction: Therapeutic erythrocytapheresis has some advantages over therapeutic phlebotomy, the standard treatment for cytoreduction in polycythemia and hemochromatosis. Erythrocytapheresis can be performed on different cell separators, each with its own characteristics. We present our experience of therapeutic erythrocytapheresis in the treatment of polycythemia and hemochromatosis with an analysis of the performance of cytoreduction, and a comparison between the characteristics of intermittent- and continuous-flow cell separators. Material and methods: During a 20-year period, 1731 procedures were performed in 125 patients, 1634 (94.4%) with a Haemonetics MCS+ separator and 97 (5.6%) with a Spectra Optia system device. The performance of cytoreduction using the Haemonetics MCS+ separator was analysed in 442 procedures performed in 56 patients and the performance of the two apheresis devices was compared. Results: Haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (Hct) values were significantly reduced after erythrocytapheresis with the Haemonetics MCS+ device (Hb: 18.69%; Hct: 18.73%; p-values both

Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited single-gene autosomal recessive disorder. Red cell exchange (RCE) refers to the removal of diseased red blood cells (RBCs) in exchange for healthy donor RBCs. In the present study, RCE was performed in patients with SCD with different crises such as acute chest syndrome, vaso-occlusive crisis, and sequestration crisis. The study was conducted to determine the clinical efficacy of RCE in SCD and to study the clinical profile of the study population. The study will help generate data to support and improve existing knowledge on the clinical efficacy of RCE in SCD. Methods: A prospective observational study of RBC exchange in patients of SCD with the acute crisis was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in South Gujarat including the effect of RCE as a treatment modality in patients of SCD. The study was conducted following guidelines given by the American Society for Apheresis. Results: This study was conducted among 8 patients (7 female and 1 male) with varying age groups from 10 to 29 years. Clinical findings of patients, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation got improved after the procedure. There was an improvement in PaO2 from 51.63 to 73 after the procedure. There was a decrease in mean sickle hemoglobin (Hb S) level (from 68.452% to 16.438% after procedure) and Hb F level (from 11.938% to 3.063% after procedure) with an increase in Hb A level (from 13.862% to 70.152% after procedure). Conclusion: In the present study, automated RCE procedures in patients with SCD were well tolerated and effective for both acute and chronic complications of SCD in terms of relieving the symptoms by reducing the Hb S level postprocedures.

Background: JAK2‐mutated polycythaemia vera (PV) is associated with reduced survival because of thrombotic events and haematological disease transformation. Therapeutic venesection has traditionally been used to lower haematocrit, but the technique of erythrocytapheresis has emerged over the last decade. Aim: To compare erythrocytapheresis with venesection as treatment for PV by assessing medical efficacy and financial viability. Methods: One hundred sixteen patients with PV who received red cell depletion therapy at Barwon Health between 2014 and 2021 were identified. The haematocrit drop after each session, interval between treatment times and number of sessions required to achieve a haematocrit <0.45 were compared with an independent t test. Thrombosis rates were compared with Pearson's chi‐squared test. Cost‐funding analysis was done by assessing the Weighted Inlier Equivalent Separation and National Weighted Activity Unit funding models. Results: Patients treated with erythrocytapheresis achieved a greater haematocrit drop each treatment session (0.075 vs 0.03, P < 0.01), required fewer sessions to achieve a haematocrit <0.45 (1 vs 4, P < 0.01) and experienced fewer thrombotic complications (8.7% vs 32.1%, P = 0.02) than those treated with venesection. Cost‐funding analysis demonstrated that erythrocytapheresis was more financially viable with a surplus of AU$297 per session compared to a deficit of AU$176 with venesection. Even if funding for venesection is increased, the cost of erythrocytapheresis may be mitigated by a lower number of procedures required per year (3.8 vs 5.3, P < 0.01). Conclusions: Erythrocytapheresis is more efficacious than venesection for the treatment of PV and is accompanied by rapid reductions in haematocrit and reduced thrombotic complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited single-gene autosomal recessive disorder. Red cell exchange (RCE) refers to the removal of diseased red blood cells (RBCs) in exchange for healthy donor RBCs. In the present study, RCE was performed in patients with SCD with different crises such as acute chest syndrome, vaso-occlusive crisis, and sequestration crisis. The study was conducted to determine the clinical efficacy of RCE in SCD and to study the clinical profile of the study population. The study will help generate data to support and improve existing knowledge on the clinical efficacy of RCE in SCD. Methods: A prospective observational study of RBC exchange in patients of SCD with the acute crisis was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in South Gujarat including the effect of RCE as a treatment modality in patients of SCD. The study was conducted following guidelines given by the American Society for Apheresis. Results: This study was conducted among 8 patients (7 female and 1 male) with varying age groups from 10 to 29 years. Clinical findings of patients, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation got improved after the procedure. There was an improvement in PaO2 from 51.63 to 73 after the procedure. There was a decrease in mean sickle hemoglobin (Hb S) level (from 68.452% to 16.438% after procedure) and Hb F level (from 11.938% to 3.063% after procedure) with an increase in Hb A level (from 13.862% to 70.152% after procedure). Conclusion: In the present study, automated RCE procedures in patients with SCD were well tolerated and effective for both acute and chronic complications of SCD in terms of relieving the symptoms by reducing the Hb S level postprocedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hypercoagulable state associated with sickle cell disease (SCD) can be challenging for apheresis procedures. Among 62 single‐needle red cell exchanges (SN‐RCEs) performed over a 15‐month period, 4 patients experienced 6 hemolytic events with a discolored plasma layer, elevated plasma/RBC interface in the centrifuge, and accompanying alarms of "Cells were detected in plasma line from centrifuge" or "AIM system detected RBC at top of connector." The hemolysis originated from the apheresis instrument because samples from the apheresis belt but not the patients' peripheral blood were positive for hemolysis. Further analysis showed the alarms occurred more often in SN‐RCEs (20.4%) than double‐needle RCEs (2.7%), and the hemolysis was probably secondary to clumping. To optimize SN‐RCE, we increased the anticoagulant dosage by changing Inlet/AC ratio from 13 to 8 and lowered the inlet rate to the level comparable to double‐needle RCE. The adjustments were well‐tolerated with no more hemolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnancy in women with sickle cell disease (SCD) is a high-risk situation, especially during the third trimester of gestation and in the post-partum period, due to chronic hypoxia and vaso-occlusive phenomena occurring in the maternal–fetal microcirculation: as a result, unfavorable outcomes, such as intra-uterine growth restriction, prematurity or fetal loss are more frequent in SCD pregnancies. Therefore, there is a consensus on the need for a strict and multidisciplinary follow-up within specialized structures. Transfusion support remains the mainstay of treatment of SCD pregnancies, whereas more targeted modalities are still controversial: the benefit of prophylactic management, either by simple transfusions or by automated red blood cell exchange (aRBCX), is not unanimously recognized. We illustrate the cases of three SCD pregnant patients who underwent aRBCX procedures at our institution in different clinical scenarios. Moreover, we carried out a careful literature revision to investigate the management of pregnancy in SCD, with a particular focus on the viability of aRBCX. Our experience and the current literature support the use of aRBCX in pregnancy as a feasible and safe procedure, provided that specialized equipment and an experienced apheresis team is available. However, further research in this high-risk population, with appropriately powered prospective trials, is desirable to refine the indications and timing of aRBCX and to confirm the advantages of this approach on other transfusion modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited data regarding erythrocytapheresis in children, adolescents, and young adults have been published. The aim of this study was to evaluate erythrocytapheresis, either as a standalone therapy or in combination with iron chelation therapy, in children and young adults with hemoglobinopathies in whom current iron chelation therapy is not sufficient in decreasing the iron overload during management. We retrospectively analysed erythrocytapheresis in 19 patients with hemoglobinopathies in need of iron chelation therapy diagnosed with sickle cell disease (SCD) or β-thalassemia major. Patients were divided into (1) a case cohort who received erythrocytapheresis alone or in combination with iron chelation therapy and (2) a control cohort who received oral iron chelation therapy alone. Serum ferritin and haemoglobin levels were compared at five different time points over a one-year period. In the erythrocytapheresis cohort, there was a significant decrease in serum ferritin (p < 0.001). In the iron chelation therapy alone cohort, there was no significant decrease in serum ferritin over time (p = 0.156). Comparing the evolution of median serum ferritin between therapy with erythrocytapheresis and iron chelation therapy showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.008). Patients with β-thalassemia major receiving erythrocytapheresis showed a greater reduction in serum ferritin compared to patients without (p = 0.036). A difference could not be shown between the erythrocytapheresis and iron chelation single therapies (p = 0.100). This study showed an overall significant reduction in serum ferritin in patients with hemoglobinopathies treated with erythrocytapheresis in addition to iron chelation. A clinical, although not statistical, trend of higher haemoglobin levels was maintained. Erythrocytapheresis in paediatric patients with β-thalassemia major was as effective in decreasing ferritin levels as in previously reported studies with SCD. Erythrocytapheresis is a promising therapy for treating and preventing transfusion-related iron overload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is the most common chronic porphyria, with approximate prevalence of 1:10,000. PCT is frequently associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV), malignant lymphoma and iron overload. Here, we present a case of PCT onset subsequent to hepatitis E virus infection (HEV), characterised by symptoms including skin fragility, haemorrhagic bullous skin exanthema, and onycholysis. The patient was successfully treated by erythrocytapheresis and hydroxychloroquine. After exclusion of other possible causes of PCT, HEV infection was identified as the likely trigger of the disease in this genetically predisposed individual, representing the first reported instance of such an association. Erythrocytapheresis emerged as a viable alternative to phlebotomy for PCT treatment. This case underscores the significance of considering HEV infection in the aetiology of PCT and highlights erythrocytapheresis as a promising therapeutic approach [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red cell exchanges (RCE) help in the treatment of complications of sickle cell anemia (SCA) by reducing the viscosity of blood and improving the oxygen-carrying capacity. We present a case of sickle cell crisis (SCC) managed with automated RCE and also reviewed the literature to assess the utilization and clinical efficiency of this therapy in India. A 19-year-old gentleman diagnosed with SCA presented with acute chest syndrome. Hemoglobin (Hb) was 8.8 g%, hematocrit (HCT) was 24%, and HbS was 90%. As there was worsening of symptoms with conventional management, the patient underwent two procedures of automated RCE. The clinical condition of the patient was improved, HbS was reduced to 16% and HCT was remained at 21% postprocedure. Articles on automated RCE in SCA conducted in India were reviewed and four articles were analyzed based on the search strategy. All the included articles concluded automated RCE as an effective procedure for complications of SCA. Common indication in India was SCA patients undergoing surgery as a prophylactic measure. Automated RCEs are promising as an acute treatment for indicated sickle cell complications. This therapy is underutilized in the Indian scenario, especially in patients with SCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Red cell transfusion remains the gold standard in managing sickle cell disease (SCD) with severe complications. Offering red blood cell exchange (RBCX) either manual exchange transfusion (MET) or automated RBCX (aRBCX) can reduce the complications of chronic transfusion and maintain target Hb thresholds. This study audits the hospital experience of overseeing adult SCD patients treated with RBCX, both automated and manual, and compares the safety and efficacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study was conducted as an audit for chronic RBCX for adult patients with SCD in 2015–2019 at King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: A total of 344 RBCX for 20 adult SCD patients who were enrolled in regular RBCX, (11/20) patients had regular aRBCX with a total of (157) sessions, and (9/20) patients had MET with a total of (187) sessions. The median level of HbS% post-aRBCX was significantly lower than MET (24.5.9% vs. 47.3%, P < 0.010). Patients on aRBCX had fewer sessions (5 vs. 7.5, P < 0.067) with better disease control. Although the median yearly pRBC units per patient for aRBCX was more than the double needed for MET (28.64 vs. 13.39, P < 0.010), the median ferritin level was 42 μg/L in aRBCX versus 983.7 μg/L in MET, P < 0.012. CONCLUSION: Compared to MET, aRBCX was more effective in reducing HbS, with fewer hospital visits and better disease control. Although more pRBCs were transfused, the ferritin level was better controlled in the aRBCX group without increasing alloimmunization risk.

Abstract The imaging appearances of the skeletal system have been well documented in sickle cell disease (SCD) but there is limited information about the impact of SCD treatments on skeletal abnormalities. We present two patients with SCD maintained on long-term erythrocytapheresis and the changes to their skeletal abnormalities on neuroimaging with this treatment. We observed a reversal of the bone marrow conversion process and the skull appearance was age appropriate without any radiographic findings of iron overload in the patients.

BACKGROUND: Red cell transfusion remains the gold standard in managing sickle cell disease (SCD) with severe complications. Offering red blood cell exchange (RBCX) either manual exchange transfusion (MET) or automated RBCX (aRBCX) can reduce the complications of chronic transfusion and maintain target Hb thresholds. This study audits the hospital experience of overseeing adult SCD patients treated with RBCX, both automated and manual, and compares the safety and efficacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study was conducted as an audit for chronic RBCX for adult patients with SCD in 2015–2019 at King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: A total of 344 RBCX for 20 adult SCD patients who were enrolled in regular RBCX, (11/20) patients had regular aRBCX with a total of (157) sessions, and (9/20) patients had MET with a total of (187) sessions. The median level of HbS% post-aRBCX was significantly lower than MET (24.5.9% vs. 47.3%, P < 0.010). Patients on aRBCX had fewer sessions (5 vs. 7.5, P < 0.067) with better disease control. Although the median yearly pRBC units per patient for aRBCX was more than the double needed for MET (28.64 vs. 13.39, P < 0.010), the median ferritin level was 42 μg/L in aRBCX versus 983.7 μg/L in MET, P < 0.012. CONCLUSION: Compared to MET, aRBCX was more effective in reducing HbS, with fewer hospital visits and better disease control. Although more pRBCs were transfused, the ferritin level was better controlled in the aRBCX group without increasing alloimmunization risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Therapeutic erythrocytapheresis has some advantages over therapeutic phlebotomy, the standard treatment for cytoreduction in polycythemia and hemochromatosis. Erythrocytapheresis can be performed on different cell separators, each with its own characteristics. We present our experience of therapeutic erythrocytapheresis in the treatment of polycythemia and hemochromatosis with an analysis of the performance of cytoreduction, and a comparison between the characteristics of intermittent- and continuous-flow cell separators., Material and Methods: During a 20-year period, 1731 procedures were performed in 125 patients, 1634 (94.4%) with a Haemonetics MCS+ separator and 97 (5.6%) with a Spectra Optia system device. The performance of cytoreduction using the Haemonetics MCS+ separator was analysed in 442 procedures performed in 56 patients and the performance of the two apheresis devices was compared., Results: Haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (Hct) values were significantly reduced after erythrocytapheresis with the Haemonetics MCS+ device (Hb: 18.69%; Hct: 18.73%; p-values both <0.001). The reductions of Hb and Hct were significantly higher in the Haemonetics MCS+ procedure (p-value <0.001), but the Spectra Optia procedure depleted a significantly higher RBC volume (495 mL versus 442 mL) in a shorter time (18 min versus 36 min)., Conclusion: Both the Haemonetics MCS+ and Spectra Optia systems proved to be highly efficient and safe in RBC cytoreduction with short procedure times. Erythrocytapheresis reduces the frequency of necessary procedures thereby justifying its therapeutic use especially in eligible patients of working age., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The authors have disclosed no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Associação Brasileira de Hematologia, Hemoterapia e Terapia Celular. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy of red blood cell exchange (RBCx) using a Spectra Optia® automated apheresis system in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). We used automated RBCx to treat acute and chronic complications in 75 children with SCD who had a median age of 10 years [7–13]. We analyzed 649 RBCx sessions. Peripheral venous access was limited in a number of the children, and thus a femoral double-lumen central venous catheter was required. We recommend heparin locking with 500 units in each lumen of the catheter. To prevent complications, we ensured that all patients had achieved a post-RCE HbS level of < 30%. For chronic transfusion, with a post-RCE Hb level of approximately 10–11 g/dL, a blood exchange volume of ≥ 32 mL/kg, and an interval between each RBCx procedure of ≤ 30 days, the residual HbS level was maintained below 30%. For acute transfusion, a post-exchange Hb level ≥ 10 g/dL (p < 0.001) and a total exchange volume ≥ 35 mL/kg (p = 0.001) were the best way to reduce HbS to < 30%. AUC was 0.84. Our results show that erythrocytapheresis was useful and safe for children with SCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hb Mizuho is a very rare unstable hemoglobin; here, we describe the clinical history of three Swiss family members with Hb Mizuho together with a systematic review of the previously six published cases. The clinical history of the adult woman we report here is unique since this is the first Hb Mizuho presenting with Moyamoya complications and the first case reported with long-term erythrocyte exchange. The literature review showed that Hb Mizuho was mainly reported as a de novo mutation, with the exception of children descended from known cases. All published patients with this unstable hemoglobin showed severe hemolytic anemia with the exception of one; all were regularly transfused. Patients with higher HbF levels might require fewer transfusions. All patients underwent splenectomy at a median age of 4 years and had variable clinical improvement; some achieved complete resolution of transfusion dependency after splenectomy. Iron overload in Hb Mizuho patients seems to be mainly attributed to transfusions and has less to do with ineffective erythropoiesis. Diagnosis might be challenging; a normal hemoglobin electrophoresis should not rule out the diagnosis of unstable hemoglobin in patients with otherwise unexplained hemolytic anemia. This series shows the enormous utility of using molecular techniques for diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Standard treatment for naïve hereditary hemochromatosis patients consists of phlebotomy or a personalized erythrocytapheresis. Erythrocytapheresis is more efficient, but infrequently used because of perceived costs and specialized equipment being needed. The main aim of our study was to develop a model that predicts the number of initial treatment procedures for both treatment methods. This information may help the clinician to select the optimal treatment modality for the individual patient. Methods: We analyzed retrospective data of 125 newly diagnosed patients (C282Y homozygous), treated either with phlebotomy (n = 54) or erythrocytapheresis (n = 71) until serum ferritin (SF) reached levels ≤100 μg/L. To estimate the required number of treatment procedures multiple linear regression analysis was used for each treatment method separately. Results: The linear regression model with the best predictive quality (R2 = 0.74 and 0.73 for erythrocytapheresis and phlebotomy respectively) included initial SF, initial hemoglobin (Hb) level, age, and BMI, where initial SF was independently related to the total number of treatment procedures for both treatment methods. The prediction error expressed in RMSPE and RMSDR was lower for erythrocytapheresis than for phlebotomy (3.8 and 4.1 vs 7.0 and 8.0 respectively), Conclusions: Although the prediction error of the developed model was relatively large, the model may help the clinician to choose the most optimal treatment method for an individual patient. Generally erythrocytapheresis halves the number of treatment procedures for all patients, where the largest reduction (between 55% and 64%) is reached in patients with an initial Hb level ≥ 9 mmol/L (14.5 g/dL). ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00202436. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sickle cell-beta thalassemia is a double heterozygous state. Red cell exchange (RCE) transfusion reduces the concentration of sickle cells without increasing the hematocrit or whole-blood viscosity. It can be performed manually or by erythrocytapheresis. RCE transfusion is an effective tool for both acute and chronic complications of sickle cell disease. In patients unaffording erythrocytapheresis, even manual RCE can give favorable results. A 37-year-old male, a known case of sickle cell-beta+ thalassemia (βsβ+), presented with avascular necrosis of right femur and humeral head. He was posted for the right hip arthroplasty and shoulder hemiarthroplasty. Successful manual RCE transfusions were done. The hemoglobin S levels decreased postmanual RCE procedures, and the patient was operated successfully.

Objectives: Apheresis has been used as adjunctive treatment of severe falciparum malaria, loiasis and babesiosis. This systematic review aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of apheresis in the treatment of these conditions.Methods: MEDLINE, PUBMED, EMBASE and CINAHL databases were searched to identify studies published between January 1969 and March 2018 involving patients treated using apheresis for severe falciparum malaria, loiasis or babesiosis. Data extracted included details about the apheresis intervention, populations, study methods and outcomes relating to efficacy and safety.Results: A total of 67 publications met the inclusion criteria and were included in the data synthesis, 36 for malaria (70 cases), 17 for babesiosis (22 cases) and 14 for loiasis (34 cases). Publications were case reports, case series, and cohort studies; there were no randomised controlled trials identified. Potential publication bias was considered to be high.Conclusions: Systematic review of the literature suggests that apheresis may be a useful adjunct in the treatment of patients hospitalised for babesiosis, and prior to chemotherapy in loiasis with microfilarial count >8000 parasites/mL. Data does not support the use of apheresis in patients with severe falciparum malaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Estimation of the total blood volume (TBV) is fundamental to the control of automated red cell exchange (RCE). Error in the TBV estimate can produce outcomes that deviate from the prescribed targets, and may endanger the patient. Both the Spectra Optia and the COBE Spectra use the Nadler formulae to estimate TBV. There is a potential for large overestimates of TBV when the Nadler formula for males is applied to prepubertal boys. Materials and Methods: This study uses our large clinical experience with RCE to examine procedure outcomes when RCE in prepubertal boys is programed with the female parameter instead of male. We determined the differences between programmed and measured values for three outcomes: (a) Programmed End Hematocrit − Post spun HCT by Hemata Stat II, (b) Programmed End Hematocrit − Post CBC HCT, and (c) Predicted Post Hgb S+C − Measured Post Hgb S+C. We defined the experimental group as Male‐Female, where the biological sex was male but programmed sex was female, and two control groups where programmed and biological sex were the same. Results: Small but statistically significant differences were demonstrated between the mean programmed‐to‐observed deviations of these outcome measures in all but two group and subgroup comparisons; however, the absolute magnitudes of the observed differences were not clinically significant. The suggested weight cutoff to begin programming males as male is 35 kg. Conclusion: The study provides experiential validation that performing RCE in prepubertal boys using the female parameter is safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erythrocytapheresis, red blood cell (RBC) depletion, and RBC exchange transfusions are apheresis techniques used to rapidly lower the circulating RBC mass or to exchange the patient erythrocyte mass with donor RBC. Automated RBC exchange is performed using an apheresis device, while manual RBC exchange is based on sequential phlebotomies and isovolemic replacement. Compared to simple RBC transfusions, RBC exchange offers several advantages, e.g., a lower risk for iron accumulation and efficient control of pathological erythrocyte populations. Disadvantages are the higher costs of the procedure, the increased use of donor RBC, and the requirement of apheresis devices and trained hospital staff. The most frequent indication for RBC exchange is sickle cell disease (SCD). RBC exchange transfusions are standard treatment in SCD patients with a history of or a risk for acute stroke and are clinical options for other acute complications of SCD. The most common indication for RBC depletion is the removal of donor RBC from the bone marrow grafts in major ABO-incompatible allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to avoid immediate hemolysis. Rare indications for RBC exchange are severe infections with intraerythrocytic pathogens such as malaria or babesiosis and severe erythrocytosis or hereditary hemochromatosis where the aim is to rapidly decrease RBC populations or the iron content. However, only few high-quality studies are available looking at the efficacy of RBC exchange in the different disease entities, and treatment is often based on low levels of evidence and should therefore be decided in close collaboration with a transfusion medicine specialist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erythrocytapheresis, an apheresis treatment which selectively removes red blood cells, is an alternative to therapeutic phlebotomy, over which it has several advantages. Actually there is a high degree of variability in the use of this treatment. This prompted SIdEM (Italian Society of Hemapheresis and Cell Manipulation) to conduct a survey on the use of erythrocytapheresis in the Italian Transfusion Services. The purpose is to monitor this activity in the treatment of Polycythemia Vera (pv), secondary erythrocytosis and hemochromatosis. A data collection file was sent to the SIdEM regional delegates who, in turn, involved the Transfusion Centers in the areas they cover. The data collected were processed on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. 75 centers from 14 Italian regions responded to the Survey: 36 centers (48 %) use erythrocytapheresis (35 centers perform therapeutic apheresis and 1 center only donor apheresis), 39 centers (52 %) do not (15 centers perform therapeutic apheresis, 18 centers only donor apheresis and 6 centers do not perform either therapeutic apheresis or donor apheresis). Although most centers have a substantially uniform attitude concerning the indications for which erythrocytapheresis is used, the survey shows that there are still differences more evident in the treatment of secondary erythrocytosis than in the treatment of pv or hemochromatosis. This survey has been useful to document the current Italian reality and to raise awareness about the need for improvement in optimizing and standardizing the use of a therapy with a great potential to exploit properly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improvements of health infrastructure, preventive care and clinical management is important to reduce the morbidity and mortality of sickle cell disease (SCD). This prospective, investigator-initiated non-randomized open-label intervention, single centre study describes the implementation of the automated erythrocytapheresis in low-middle income country as a treatment modality for SCD patients to improve the standard of care and highlights its benefits and challenges. Eligible patients with SCD who had overt stroke, abnormal/conditional transcranial doppler (TCD), or other indications were subjected to regular automated erythrocytapheresis program. From 18th Dec 2017 till 17th Dec 2022, 21 subjects were enrolled; seventeen (80.9 %) were Egyptian and four (19.1 %) were non-Egyptian (three Sudanese and one Nigerian). Totalling 133 sessions had been performed mainly in working hours with fluctuating frequency per month. All sessions maintained isovolumic status and were performed using central venous access. The target HbS concentration was set from the start; the mean final FCR % fraction was 51, most of the session (n = 78, 58.7 %) were able to achieve target FCR. The majority of session pass smoothly with no adverse event (n = 81, 60.9 %), except for certain challenges as shortage of the required blood (n = 38), hypotension (n = 2), hypocalcaemia (n = 2). Automated erythrocytapheresis is safe and effective modality for management of patients with sickle cell disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to determine retrospectively the efficacy of combined therapy using erythropoietin (EPO) and erythrocytapheresis (EA) in patients with hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) who did not tolerate phlebotomy. Patients and Methods: Twenty patients (age range, 43-74 years) with genetically confirmed HH had received low-dose EPO (4,000 IU) in accordance to the patient's hemoglobin levels between each EA session. Laboratory parameters including hemoglobin, ferritin, transferrin, and iron were measured at regular intervals. Results: Anemia did not occur in a single patient and no serious side effects were observed. Combined treatment with EPO and EA was well tolerated, and all 18 patients who suffered from fatigue prior to therapy recovered. Median ferritin values were 678.5 ng/L before treatment and 145 ng/L after treatment. Conclusion: EA in combination with EPO is safe and effective in treating patients with HH. Prospective studies comparing this therapeutic option to phlebotomy are warranted. J. Clin. Apheresis 32:170-174, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of disorders cause iron overload: some are of genetic origin, such as hereditary haemochromatosis, while others are acquired, for instance due to repeated transfusions. This article reviews the treatment options for hereditary haemochromatosis, with special attention to the use of erythrocytapheresis. In general, therapy is based on the removal of excess body iron, for which ferritin levels are used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. For many decades phlebotomy has been widely accepted as the standard treatment. Recent publications suggest that erythrocytapheresis, as a more individualized treatment, can provide a good balance between effectiveness, tolerability and costs. Other treatments like oral chelators and proton pomp inhibitors, which are used in selected patients, create the possibility to further individualize treatment of hereditary haemochromatosis. In the future, hepcidin-targeted therapy could provide a more fundamental approach to treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Securing adequate vascular access is essential for a successful apheresis procedure. In most, peripheral access is preferred but it is not always technically possible. Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Vascular Access (USG-PIVA) is a well-documented technique in the setting of Emergency departments. However, limited data exists reporting its use in the context of automated red cell exchanges (a-RCEx). Purpose To assess the effectiveness and feasibility of USG-PIVA to undertake successful a-RCEx. Methods Data was collected prospectively from patients with sickle cell disease and difficult venous access, undergoing a-RCEx at a single centre. The USG-PIVA technique was attempted and data relating to each attempt was collected and analysed. Results Between April 2014 and July 2015 84 USG-PIVA procedures were performed on 38 patients. 71 USG-PIVA (85%) were successful, 13 (15%) were unsuccessful. Veins successfully cannulated: in the upper arm, basilic (22), brachial (33) and cephalic (2) veins; in the antecubital fossa, basilic (3) and median cubital (7) and in the lower arm, cephalic (2) and radial (2). Cannulas used: Introcan Safety® Braun 22 g (1), 20 g (9) and 18 g (61). Inlet flow rates achieved: 30-60 ml/min (mean 45 ml/min). Depth of veins cannulated: 2-12 mm (mean 5 mm). two complications were observed-one cannula displacement and one nerve injury. No arterial punctures occurred. Central Venous Catheters avoided (49). Conclusion The US-PIVA method offers an effective alternative to Central Venous Access in patients requiring a-RCEx procedures who lack visual or palpable peripheral access, with minimal complications seen in this series. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:501-506, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current treatment for newly diagnosed patients with hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) and iron overload consist of weekly phlebotomy or less frequent and more personalized erythrocytapheresis. Previous observations during phlebotomy suggest an increase in intestinal iron uptake caused by lowering of hepcidin as a result of intensive bloodletting. It is not known whether such an effect is present or even more pronounced using erythrocytapheresis since a larger amount of iron is extracted per procedure. In this study we aimed to assess the effect of erythrocytapheresis on the course of iron parameters, with special focus on serum hepcidin. We performed a retrospective proof-of-principle observational study, comparing serum iron parameters in 12 males during the depletion phase using either phlebotomy ( n = 6) or erythrocytapheresis ( n = 6). Decreases in serum ferritin over time were similar for both treatments but more pronounced using erythrocytapheresis when expressed per treatment procedure. Hemoglobin did not change during erythrocytapheresis, whereas during phlebotomy decreased with 10%. Increase of erythropoietin and soluble transferrin receptor and decrease in transferrin saturation were similar for both treatments. Reduction in serum hepcidin was higher (50% versus 25% of initial value) and occurred more early using phlebotomy (10 versus 20 weeks after start). In aggregate, compared to phlebotomy, the less frequent and more personalized erythrocytapheresis leads to a more pronounced decrease in serum ferritin per treatment procedure, without a larger decrease in serum hepcidin. This may be clinically relevant and may prevent an increase in intestinal iron uptake and an ensuing vicious circle of more frequent treatment procedures. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:564-570, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This study aims to compare in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), the technical performance and packed red blood cell unit consumption between the automated depletion/Red Blood Cell exchange (RBCx) program (Spectra Optia Apheresis System) with the isovolemic hemodilution (IHD)/RBCx procedure (COBE Spectra Apheresis System) in a routine clinical setting. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the data of 23 patients treated between October 2010 and August 2013 who underwent repeated RBCx on both apheresis systems for preventive indications. Each patient was their own control and had undergone two procedures on each system, totaling 46 sessions per group. On Spectra Optia, we performed the automated depletion/RBCx program. For COBE Spectra, we used a modified IHD/RBCx protocol. All patients had an initial 250 mL depletion offset by a 5% albumin prior to the exchange procedure, for the respective device, with leucodepleted Rh/Kell compatible and cross-matched RBC packs. Results All procedures were well tolerated except three mild febrile nonhemolytic reactions. Postprocedure hemoglobin S (HbS), fraction of cells remaining (FCR), procedure duration and processed blood and anticoagulant volumes were comparable in the two groups. However, the RBCx volume was significantly higher for the Spectra Optia group (+71 mL, P = 0.01), with no significant difference in the number of RBC units used. Conclusions Technical performance and packed RBC unit consumption were not compromised when switching from the COBE Spectra IHD/RBCx protocol to the depletion/RBCx protocol on the Spectra Optia. Tolerability was equal for both protocols. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:429-433, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperferritinaemia is commonly found in clinical practice. In assessing the cause of hyperferritinaemia, it is important to identify if there is true iron overload or not as hyperferritinaemia may be seen in other conditions such as excess alcohol intake, inflammation and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Assessment of whether the serum ferritin level is elevated or not should take into account body mass index, gender and age. This review article provides an overview of the different causes of hyperferritinaemia, differentiating those due to iron overload from those not due to iron overload, and provides an algorithm for clinicians to use in clinical practice to carry out appropriate investigations and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) Journal of Clinical Apheresis (JCA) Special Issue Writing Committee is charged with reviewing, updating, and categorizing indications for the evidence-based use of therapeutic apheresis in human disease. Since the 2007 JCA Special Issue (Fourth Edition), the Committee has incorporated systematic review and evidence-based approaches in the grading and categorization of apheresis indications. This Seventh Edition of the JCA Special Issue continues to maintain this methodology and rigor to make recommendations on the use of apheresis in a wide variety of diseases/conditions. The JCA Seventh Edition, like its predecessor, has consistently applied the category and grading system definitions in the fact sheets. The general layout and concept of a fact sheet that was used since the fourth edition has largely been maintained in this edition. Each fact sheet succinctly summarizes the evidence for the use of therapeutic apheresis in a specific disease entity. The Seventh Edition discusses 87 fact sheets (14 new fact sheets since the Sixth Edition) for therapeutic apheresis diseases and medical conditions, with 179 indications, which are separately graded and categorized within the listed fact sheets. Several diseases that are Category IV which have been described in detail in previous editions and do not have significant new evidence since the last publication are summarized in a separate table. The Seventh Edition of the JCA Special Issue serves as a key resource that guides the utilization of therapeutic apheresis in the treatment of human disease. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:149-162, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sickle cell-beta thalassemia is a double heterozygous state. Red cell exchange (RCE) transfusion reduces the concentration of sickle cells without increasing the hematocrit or whole-blood viscosity. It can be performed manually or by erythrocytapheresis. RCE transfusion is an effective tool for both acute and chronic complications of sickle cell disease. In patients unaffording erythrocytapheresis, even manual RCE can give favorable results. A 37-year-old male, a known case of sickle cell-beta+ thalassemia (βsβ+), presented with avascular necrosis of right femur and humeral head. He was posted for the right hip arthroplasty and shoulder hemiarthroplasty. Successful manual RCE transfusions were done. The hemoglobin S levels decreased postmanual RCE procedures, and the patient was operated successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This open-label, prospective, phase 2 study evaluated the safety and efficacy of deferasirox (10 ± 5 mg/kg/d) in patients with hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) and iron overload refractory to or intolerant of phlebotomy. Ten patients were enrolled and all completed the 12-month treatment period. There were significant decreases from baseline to end of study (i.e., 12 months) in median serum ferritin (P < 0.001), mean transferrin saturation (P < 0.05), median liver iron concentration (P < 0.001), and mean alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.05). The median time to achieve serum ferritin reduction ≥50% compared to baseline was 7.53 months. The most common adverse events were mild, transient diarrhea (n = 5) and nausea (n = 2). No patient experienced an increase in serum creatinine that exceeded the upper limit of normal. These data confirm that deferasirox was well tolerated and effective in reducing iron burden in patients with hereditary hemochromatosis and could be a safe alternative to phlebotomy in selected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is employed for a wide range of sickle cell disease complications, ranging from primary and secondary stroke prophylaxis to prevention of painful vaso-occlusive episodes. Currently different methods are employed by centers for chronic transfusion that include simple, automated and partial manual RBC exchange transfusion. A retrospective cohort study of two different manual RBC exchange transfusion methods was conducted between two comprehensive care centers in Toronto, ON, Canada and London, United Kingdom in 19 and 21 sickle cell disease adults, respectively. London used a weight-based protocol, while Toronto used a unit-based method. Our results indicated that sickle cell disease patients utilizing a weight-based method are more often unable to achieve the prescribed Hb S (HBB: c.20A > T) target compared to the unit-based method (90.0vs.53.0% in the weight-based and unit-based methods, respectively,p = 0.0123). On multivariable logistic regression, none of the covariates examined was found to influence the ability to achieve the prescribed Hb S target after accounting for the exchange transfusion method. Mean interval of exchange sessions, session duration, total units of packed RBC, volume of blood used by body weight each year, the mean post exchange hematocrit [or packed cell volume (PCV)] and ferritin change were similar in both cohorts. In conclusion, the unit-based method was more effective at maintaining the prescribed Hb S target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Positive Coombs test have been reported in COVID-19 patients, although the cause and significance remain unknown. • The Authors investigated the prevalence and relevance of reactive coombs test in such patients. • COVID-19 severity, ICU admission, and many inflammatory markers were correlated with reactive Coombs test. • Explanation Could be due to altered RBC/hemoglobin function, immunological response, and complement system activation. • Erythrocytapheresis could be repurposed for the treatment of severe COVID-19. Previous case reports have described patients with COVID-19-associated autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), and cold agglutinin disease (CAD) which is characterized by a positive direct antiglobulin (DAT) or "Coombs" test, yet the mechanism is not well understood. To investigate the significance of Coombs test reactivity among COVID-19 patients, we conducted a retrospective study on hospitalized COVID-19 patients treated at NMC Royal Hospital between 15 April and 30 May 2020. There were 27 (20%) patients in the Coombs-positive group and 108 (80%) in the Coombs-negative group. The cold agglutinin titer was examined in 22 patients due to symptoms suggestive of cold agglutinin disease, and all tested negative. We demonstrated a significant association with reactive Coombs test results in univariate analysis through clinical findings such as ICU admission rate, the severity of COVID-19, and several laboratory findings such as CRP, D-dimer, and hemoglobin levels lactate dehydrogenase, and RDW-CV. However, only hemoglobin levels and disease severity had a statistically significant association in multivariate analysis. A possible explanation of COVID-19-associated positive Coombs is cytokine storm-induced hyperinflammation, complement system activation, alterations of RBCs, binding of SARS-CoV-2 proteins to hemoglobin or its metabolites, and autoantibody production. Coombs-positive patients were tested for hemolysis using indirect bilirubin, consumed haptoglobin, and/or peripheral smear that ruled out any evidence of hemolysis. Understanding this etiology sheds new light on RBC involvement as a pathophysiological target for SARS-CoV-2 by interfering with their function; consequently, therapies capable of restoring RBC function, such as erythrocytapheresis, could be repurposed for the treatment of worsening severe and critical COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Erythrocytapheresis and leukapheresis ( LPE) of small children are logistically complex and many centres are reluctant to perform these procedures. In children, both sickle cell and leukaemic emergencies demand prompt action to prevent additional morbidity but detailed protocols for small children are lacking, and often are performed using guidelines shown to work in larger patients. We report a 3-year experience with children weighing 11-25 kg at a large academic medical centre. Materials and Methods All patients were treated with the COBE® Spectra apheresis system; circuit was primed with blood not adjusted for haematocrit and anticoagulant citrate dextrose A was used as anticoagulation. Procedures were performed in the paediatric intensive care unit by apheresis nursing staff. Results Twenty-five apheresis procedures in 19 patients were performed; 17 of 19 patients presented with sickle cell-related acute complications and two (2/19) with newly diagnosed acute leukaemia and hyperleucocytosis. None of the patients required medications during the procedures. Vital signs and clinical condition remained stable and did not worsen during or postapheresis. One patient had a delayed haemolytic transfusion reaction 1 week posterythrocytapheresis as he developed alloantibodies as a result of the procedure. All sickle cell patients achieved a target haematocrit of 21-30% and Haemoglobin A of ≥68%. Both leukaemia patients who underwent LPE had no further signs of leukostasis and achieved marked reductions in leucocyte counts. Conclusions Apheresis of children weighing 11-25 kg can be safely performed without increased morbidity. We outline a protocol that can be used to perform apheresis with minimal complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We tested the hypothesis that hypertension associated with polycythemia vera (PV) may be related to hemoglobin released from erythrocytes (cell-free hemoglobin, fHb). We assessed hematocrit, mean arterial pressure (MAP), blood viscosity, and the level of fHb and nitrite/nitrate (NOx) in the plasma of 73 PV patients and 38 healthy controls. The effect of isovolemic erythrocytapheresis (ECP) on the considered parameters was also studied. From the whole group of PV patients a subset of subjects with normal (normotensive patients, n = 16) and elevated MAP (hypertensive patients, n = 57) can be subtracted. It was found that in comparison with healthy controls, PV patients have significantly (p ≤ 0.01) elevated Hct (0.567 vs. 0.422), blood viscosity (5.45 vs. 3.56 cP), MAP (106.8 vs. 93.8 mmHg), plasma fHb (9.7 vs. 2.8 mg/dL), and NOx levels (34.1 vs. 27.5 μM). Compared with normotensive patients, hypertensive PV patients demonstrated a higher rise in fHb (10.2 vs. 8.0) and plasma NOx levels (35.8 vs. 31.0). In PV patients, fHb positively correlates with MAP ( r = 0.489), NOx levels ( r = 0.461), hematocrit ( r = 0.428), and viscosity ( r = 0.393). Blood viscosity positively correlated with hematocrit ( r = 0.894), but not with other considered parameters. In PV patients MAP poorly correlated with hematocrit, whereas the correlation between MAP and NOx altered from − 0.325 (healthy control) to + 0.268 (PV patients). ECP procedure was associated with a significant ( p < 0.01) reduction of hematocrit, fHb, blood viscosity, and MAP. In the normotensive subgroup of PV patients the ECP procedure did not affect MAP. It can be concluded that accelerated scavenging of nitric oxide by fHb rather than high Hct may be a key factor determining the development of hypertension in PV patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives We describe the recognition and pattern of care of voluntary blood donors with early-uncomplicated genetic haemochromatosis in our blood donation centre. Materials and Methods Asymptomatic volunteers with suspicion of hereditary haemochromatosis ( HH) due to an elevated ferritin level on routine screening were referred for further investigation. Alternatively, we accepted subjects with prediagnosed HH on referral. In the case of early-uncomplicated genetic haemochromatosis, either standard whole blood donation ( WBD) or double-erythrocytapheresis (DEC) was offered. Results A median of six procedures was needed to achieve a ferritin value below 100 ng/ml in the WBD group and of four in the DEC group ( P = 0·5). The rate of donation side-effects was higher in the DEC group, while the costs it generated were equivalent to WBD. Conclusion Compared with WBD, DEC had no beneficial effect on treatment number, length of treatment, side-effects or treatment budget in early-uncomplicated HH. Integrating donors with uncomplicated genetic haemochromatosis to blood donation programmes can supplement blood stores and provide the donors with a cost-effective and altruistic purpose of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We compared preoperative autologous blood donation (PABD) using serial manual whole blood (WB) and PABD using a single session, double-unit erythrocytapheresis in terms of the hemodynamic recovery and clinical outcomes. Materials and methods: This study included 56 donors in the WB PABD group and 117 donors in the double-unit erythrocytapheresis PABD group. All subjects were men with body weight >70kg, Hb level >13.3g/dL, Hct >40%, and who were scheduled for oral and maxillofacial surgery. Three cycles of manual WB collection for PABD or a single session, double-unit erythrocytapheresis using the Alyx was performed. Results: There were no significant differences in donor demographic variables including age, height, weight, Hb, Hct, or red cell mass between the 2 groups. The double-unit erythrocytapheresis was completed earlier than the last manual WB PABD (at 15.3±4.7days and 6.5±3.2days before surgery, p <0.001). Hct values before surgery were higher in the double-unit erythrocytapheresis PABD group than in the manual WB PABD group (39.7±3.2 vs. 38.6±2.7, p =0.024). ΔHct and %ΔHct before the first PABD and before surgery were lower in the double-unit erythrocytapheresis PABD group than in the manual WB PABD group (−5.6±2.8 vs. −6.8±2.7, p =0.010 and −12.3±5.9 vs. −14.8±5.6, p =0.008, respectively). The incidence of additional allogeneic blood transfusions during or after surgery and the post-operative Hb and Hct values were similar in the 2 groups. The length of hospital stay after surgery was significantly longer in the manual WB PABD group than in the double-unit erythrocytapheresis group (6.1±2.5 vs. 5.4±1.9, p =0.043). Of the 33 donors in the double-unit erythrocytapheresis PABD group, 7 (21.2%) reported discomforts related to the procedure, and 6 graded the discomforts (hypocalcemia, perioral tingling sense, paresthesia, dizziness, stuffiness, pain on the intravenous site, and muscle tension) as mild. Conclusion: The single session, double-unit erythrocytapheresis prolonged the time interval between PABD and surgery and led to better hemodynamic recovery than the serial manual WB PABD, and hypocalcemic symptoms were mild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of erythrocytapheresis (ECP) in the treatment of polycythemia. Methods: Patients diagnosed with polycythemia were included in this retrospective analysis and treated with ECP (n =20) or conventional treatments (exsanguination; n =20). Blood laboratory values and adverse effects were recorded. Results: In ECP-treated patients mean red blood cell (RBC) collection time was 25.7±4.5min (range: 19–37min), with a mean collection volume of 773.5±129.3mL (range: 600–1002mL). From baseline, ECP reduced the mean number of RBCs (0.6×1012/L [7.6%]), mean hemoglobin (31.1g/L [14.8%]), and mean hematocrit (13.1% [20.2%]) (P <0.001 for each). After ECP, a marked reduction in symptoms associated with polycythemia was also observed. Conclusions: Treatment of patients with polycythemia using ECP reduces RBC count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. The advantages associated with ECP over conventional therapy should be considered when choosing a treatment plan for patients with polycythemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Little information is available on erythrocytapheresis in children with sickle cell disease, and no comparison has ever been made with manual exchanges in a long-term blood exchange program. We matched a historical cohort of five patients who received 60 erythrocytapheresis procedures with five who received 124 manual exchanges. Long-term erythrocytapheresis was feasible and well-tolerated even in children of low weight. In a long-term approach, automated exchanges were more efficient in maintaining a low HbS level, and exchanges could be spaced out. This approach appears especially useful in the cases where the HbS level must be maintained below 30%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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Background: Phlebotomy has been used as a primary method for the treatment of erythrocytosis. As a new phlebotomy method, we used an automated component collection system (Alyx, Fenwal), which has been used to obtain two units of leukoreduced red blood cells (RBCs) from donors. We evaluated the effectiveness of 'double red-cell' phlebotomy (DRP) and compared it with conventional 'whole-blood' phlebotomy (WBP). Materials and Methods: We have performed a total of 596 phlebotomies in 158 patients with erythrocytosis between June 2008 and November 2011. Forty patients underwent 84 DRPs and 118 patients underwent 512 WBPs. We removed 360-420 mL of RBCs in DRP and 360-600 mL of whole blood in WBP according to patient's total blood volume (TBV). Changes in hematologic parameters after phlebotomy were compared. Results: DRP removed more RBC volume (399.4 ± 20.2 mL vs. 235.9 ± 29.8 mL, P < 0.05) and lowered more hematocrit than WBP (6.9% ± 2.3% vs. 3.0% ± 1.7%, P < 0.05). Hematocrit reduction per kilogram of body weight was higher by DRP than WBP (0.106% ± 0.043% vs. 0.039% ± 0.025%, P < 0.05). Mild adverse events occurred in 32.5% (13/40) during DRP and 4.2% (5/118) during WBP. Conclusion: DRP lowered more RBC mass than WBP by selectively removing more RBC volume with less TBV. DRP can be an effective and safe technique for the treatment of erythrocytosis. J. Clin. Apheresis 27:255-259, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycythemia vera (PV) is associated with an increased frequency of thrombotic complications. This study was undertaken to evaluate the hemostatic balance in the blood of PV patients by means of thromboelastography (TEG). The effect of isovolemic erythrocytapheresis (ECP) on the hemostasis of PV patients was also studied. We assessed the coagulation status of 76 PV patients undergoing ECP and 50 of healthy controls. TEG measurements were performed immediately before and after the ECP procedure. Coagulation was triggered by recalcification in freshly collected citrated blood. We recorded clotting time ( R), alpha angle, and maximum amplitude (MA) of the clot. The results presented here show that, compared with healthy controls, PV patients demonstrated an increase in alpha angle ( p < 0.005) and in MA ( p = 0.14). In the subgroup of PV patients with high (>440 × 109 l−1) platelet (PLT) count, differences in MA ( p < 0.01) and alpha angle ( p < 0.001) were more significant. Following ECP procedure, a significant ( p ≤ 0.01) reduction of R time, a rise of alpha angle, and MA were observed, indicating augmentation of a hypercoagulable state. In PV patients, the rise in alpha angle positively correlated ( r = 0.549) with platelet count but not with the number of erythrocytes and leukocytes. Following ECP, this correlation was reduced ( r = 0.382). Dilution (with saline) of blood from PV patients and of healthy controls, to a degree similar to that used during the ECP procedure, resulted in reduction of R and rise of the alpha angle. In conclusion, TEG measurements show that the majority of PV patients demonstrate abnormal hemostasis in which a major role is played by platelets rather than plasma factors. The hypercoagulable state in PV patients is significantly augmented following the ECP and may be related to the hemodilution intrinsically included in this procedure. TEG may help to assess the thrombotic risk in individual PV patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe falciparum malaria is associated with considerable rates of mortality, despite the administration of appropriate anti-malarial treatment. Since overall survival is associated with total parasite biomass, blood exchange transfusion has been proposed as a potential method to rapidly reduce peripheral parasitaemia. However, current evidence suggests that this treatment modality may not improve outcome. Automated red blood cell exchange (also referred to as "erythrocytapheresis") has been advocated as an alternative method to rapidly remove parasites from circulating blood without affecting patients' volume and electrolyte status. However, only limited evidence from case reports and case series is available for this adjunctive treatment. This retrospective cohort study describes the use of automated red blood cell exchange for the treatment of severe malaria at the Medical University of Vienna. Methods: Epidemiologic data for imported malaria cases in Austria are reported and data of patients treated for malaria at the General Hospital/Medical University of Vienna were extracted from electronic hospital records. Results: Between 2000 and 2010, 146 patients were hospitalized at the Medical University of Vienna due to malaria and 16 of those were classified as severe malaria cases. Eleven patients of this cohort were potentially eligible for an adjunctive treatment with automated red blood cell exchange. Five patients eventually underwent this procedure within a period of seven hours (range: 3-19 hours) after hospital admission. Six patients did not undergo this adjunctive treatment following the decision of the treating physician. The procedure was well tolerated in all cases and rapid reduction in parasite counts was achieved without occurrence of haemodynamic complications. One patient died within seven days, whereas four patients survived without any sequelae. Discussion and conclusion: Automated red blood cell exchange was a safe and efficient procedure to rapidly clear peripheral parasitaemia. Whether the fast reduction in parasite biomass may ultimately improve patient survival remains however unclear. Randomized controlled trials are needed to conclusively appreciate the value of this adjunctive treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) leads to poor visual outcome in most eyes. Abnormal hemorheology was suspected to play a major role in its pathogenesis. CRVO treatment is still a matter of debate but several studies have pointed out the efficacy of isovolumic hemodilution. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of hemodilution using automated erythrocytapheresis in recent-onset CRVO. Methods: In this prospective randomized controlled multicenter study, 61 consecutive CRVO patients were enrolled when they met the following criteria: CRVO lasting for 3 weeks or less, visual acuity ranging from 20/200 to 20/32, age between 18 and 85 years, no diabetes, no uncontrolled systemic hypertension, no antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy, hematocrit higher than 38%, and signed informed consent. Patients were randomly assigned to the hemodilution group ( n = 31) or to the control group ( n = 30). Hemodilution therapy consisted of one session of erythrocytapheresis on outpatient basis, followed by additional session(s) for 6 weeks if needed. Target hematocrit was 35%. Follow-up was 12 months. Results: No statistical differences in age, associated risk factors, or CRVO characteristics were observed at baseline between both groups. Mean visual acuity was equivalent to 20/80 in the hemodilution group and to 20/63 in the control group (non-significant difference). In the treated group, mean number of hemodilution sessions was 3.3 (range, 1 to 6), and no major side-effects occurred. At the 12-month follow-up visit, 64.5% of the hemodilution group had visual acuity of 20/40 or better compared to 40% of the control group ( p = .048). Visual change was a gain of 1.7 ETDRS line in the hemodilution group versus a loss of 2.3 lines in the control group ( p = .007). There was less conversion into an ischemic form in the hemodilution group (11%) than in the control group (50%, p = .004). Mean final retinal thickness was 289 μm in the hemodilution group versus 401 μm in the control group ( p = .068). Conclusions: This multicenter controlled randomized study demonstrated that automated erythrocytapheresis is a safe and effective tool for performing hemodilution and confirmed that hemodilution therapy can improve the final prognosis of CRVO when applied in the early phase of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a case of severe falciparum malaria with hyperparasitaemia. Treatment with automated erythrocytapheresis, in conjunction with parenteral artesunate, produced a rapid and sustained fall in parasite burden. Several poor prognostic features were present at admission. Despite the development of a severe headache with abnormal cerebrospinal fluid parameters and transient pulmonary oedema, a complete recovery was observed. Erythrocytapheresis can be considered in selected cases where facilities exist and has theoretical and practical advantages over traditional methods of red cell exchange transfusion. The paucity of systematic or trial evidence convincingly demonstrating a benefit in terms of morbidity or mortality has limited its application. However, the lack of robust trial data should not in itself invalidate considering this therapeutic option in the appropriate context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The general medicine and critical care services often care for patients that require therapeutic apheresis. Apheresis procedures are performed for various hematologic, neurological, renal, autoimmune, metabolic, and other indications. To facilitate a prompt start to the procedure, the clinical team must coordinate efforts with several services, including those that perform the apheresis procedure, establish venous access, and provide blood or replacement products, in addition to the pharmacy and clinical laboratory. Some of these tasks are performed typically by the clinical teams, while others are performed typically by the apheresis team. Presented and discussed are the indications for therapeutic apheresis, calculations for the ordering of blood products, and several important and practical details to consider, thus preventing delays in starting the apheresis procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]