erythrocytapheresis

Erythrocytapheresis is a medical procedure that involves the selective removal of red blood cells from a patient's blood. This process is a type of apheresis, which is a broader term for separating blood components. During erythrocytapheresis, blood is drawn from the patient and passed through a machine that separates out the red blood cells. The remaining blood components, such as plasma, white blood cells, and platelets, are then returned to the patient. The removed red blood cells can be either stored for later transfusion or discarded, depending on the specific medical need.

This therapeutic procedure is primarily used to treat conditions where there is an excess of red blood cells, a state known as polycythemia. Conditions such as polycythemia vera, a disorder characterized by the overproduction of red blood cells by the bone marrow, are commonly managed with erythrocytapheresis. By reducing the number of red blood cells, the procedure helps to alleviate symptoms associated with high blood viscosity, such as headaches, dizziness, and an increased risk of blood clots. It can also be used in cases of iron overload in patients with certain inherited blood disorders. The frequency and duration of erythrocytapheresis treatments are determined by the individual patient's condition and response to therapy.