ISSN: 2691-5782
Authors: Bambauer R* and Schiel R
Since the mid-1970s, when membrane modules became available, plasma separation techniques have gained in importance especially in the past few years. Systemic autoimmune diseases based on an immune pathogenesis produce autoantibodies and circulating immune complexes, which cause inflammation in the tissues of various organs. In most cases, these diseases have a poor prognosis without treatment. Therapeutic apheresis (TA) in combination with immunosuppressive therapies has led to a steady increase in survival rates over the last 40 years. The different diseases can be treated by various apheresis methods such as therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) with substitution solution, or with online plasma or blood purification using adsorption columns, which contain biological or non-biological agents. Here, the authors provide an overview of the most important pathogenic aspects indicating that TA can be a supportive therapy in systemic autoimmune diseases such as renal disorders.
Keywords: Therapeutic Apheresis; Immunologic Renal Diseases; Immunopathologic Aspects; Autoantibodies; Immune Complexes
