Cryofiltration Apheresis in a Patient with Cryoproteins

 

Patient selection - presence of a circulating cryoprotein associated with:

(1) vasculitis

(2) glomerulonephritis

(3) severe hemolytic anemia

 

Cryofiltration apheresis involves:

(1) removal of the patient's plasma

(2) refrigeration of the plasma until the cryoprotein precipitates

(3) passing the plasma through filters to remove the cryoproteins

(4) reinfusion of the plasma, preferably through a blood warmer

 

Problems may occur if:

(1) the amount of cryoproteins is high enough to block the filter membranes

(2) the patient shows cryogel formation