[Therapeutic hemapheresis]

Abstract

Background: This is the first survey of therapeutic hemapheresis in Norway. The purpose was to collect data from all Norwegian dialysis and blood units performing hemapheresis treatment and stem cell collection for comparison with Swedish data.

Materials and methods: Questionnaires were sent to all regional and central hospitals in Norway including two specialized centres for stem cell apheresis. The questions included the number of hemapheresis procedures, patients, and indications.

Results: All units responded to the questionnaire. There were 17 dialysis units; seven blood units and two special units who performed 2,141 procedures. 12 units did not carry out any hemapheresis treatment at all. There were five stem cell collections per 100,000 inhabitants and 42.5 therapeutic apheresis procedures per 100,000 inhabitants.

Interpretation: Hemapheresis treatment is performed in all Norwegian health regions. The indications are quite similar to those reported from Sweden except for stem cell collections and erythrocytaphereses. The dominance of the dialysis units in the total number of procedures performed and the prominent use of filtration techniques are special features of the Norwegian practice of apheresis.