Advances in Apheresis Techniques and Therapies in the Pediatric Setting

Purpose of Review In this review, we explore advances in several apheresis techniques and examine recent literature on renal pathologies and the role of apheresis in the pediatric setting. Recent Findings Apheresis, especially in the pediatric setting, is technically challenging and is typically reserved for particularly sick patients. Recent studies however find various techniques in apheresis to be both safe and efficacious. These findings demonstrate greater efficacy, reduced toxicity, and reduced need for replacement blood products with techniques such as double-filtration plasmapheresis and LDL apheresis. Summary Apheresis is a complex therapeutic technique requiring significant provider expertise. Target patients may have considerable morbidity with additional risk for multi-systemic complications. In the pediatric setting, apheresis faces additional challenges due to the evolving physiology and anatomy of growing children. The body of research is mostly derived from adult studies, and pediatric care is guided by the experiences of adult medicine.