Establishing therapeutic apheresis program for pediatrics

[gksappjr]

We are in the process of establishing an apheresis program in a pediatric setting, and would like to hear any comments you have on the following:'

For photopheresis:

1. Do you prefer to prime the apheresis machine with blood, or to have a minimum hematocrit requirement for the patient?

2. If you prefer a blood prime, do you use red cells or a reconstituted unit containing red cells and plasma?

3. Do you have a minimum platelet count?

4. Do you use heparin or citrate, or a combination of the two?

For photopheresis and TPE:

1. If you use citrate, do you use CaCl?

2. If so, at what dose?

Thanks,

Jerry Sapp

Childrens of Alabama