Open AccessUsing the World Apheresis Association Registry Helps to Improve the Treatment Quality of Therapeutic Apheresis
Author(s) -
Stegmayr Bernd,
Newman Elizabeth,
Witt Volker,
Derfler Kurt,
Leitner Gerda,
Eloot Sunny,
Dhondt Annemieke,
Deeren Dries,
Ptak Jan,
Blaha Milan,
Lanska Mirka,
Gasova Zdenka,
Bhuiyan-Ludvikova Zdenka,
Hrdlickova Radomira,
Ramlow Wolfgang,
Prophet Heinrich,
Kielstein Jan T.,
Liumbruno Giancarlo,
Mori Elena,
Griskevicius Antanas,
Audzijoniene Judita,
Vrielink Hans,
Rombout-Sestrienkova Eva,
Aandahl Astrid,
Sikole Aleksandar,
Tomaz Jorge,
Lalic Katarina,
Bojanic Ines,
Strineholm Virginia,
Brink Bo,
Berlin Gösta,
Dykes Josefina,
Nilsson Thomas,
Eich Torsten,
Hadimeri Henrik,
Welander Gunilla,
Ortega Sanchez Sandra,
Ilhan Osman,
Poole Colwyn
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
transfusion medicine and hemotherapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.971
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1660-3818
pISSN - 1660-3796
DOI - 10.1159/000513123
Subject(s) - review article
Therapeutic apheresis (TA) is prescribed to patients that suffer from a severe progressive disease that is not sufficiently treated by conventional medications. A way to gain more knowledge about this treatment is usually by the local analysis of data. However, the use of large quality assessment registries enables analyses of even rare findings. Here, we report some of the recent data from the World Apheresis Association (WAA) registry. Data from >104,000 procedures were documented, and TA was performed on >15,000 patients. The main indication for TA was the collection of autologous stem cells (45% of patients) as part of therapy for therapy. Collection of stem cells from donors for allogeneic transplantation was performed in 11% of patients. Patients with indications such as neurological diseases underwent plasma exchange (28%). Extracorporeal photochemotherapy, lipid apheresis, and antibody removal were other indications. Side effects recorded in the registry have decreased significantly over the years, with approximately only 10/10,000 procedures being interrupted for medical reasons. Conclusion: Collection of data from TA procedures within a multinational and multicenter concept facilitates the improvement of treatment by enabling the analysis of and feedback on indications, procedures, effects, and side effects.