“Maculopathy: degenerative pathology characterized by accumulation of substances responsible for microcirculation’s degeneration. Plasmapheresis may be used to improve capillary circulation.”
As in all degenerative diseases, it is not possible to indicate a real cause while it is possible to indicate the risk factors that increase the probability of occurrence. The most common risk factors are: age, cigarette smoking, familiarity, arterial hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and obesity. In these patients, moreover, there are numerous disorders of the microcirculation, which contribute to the advancement of the disease status.
The treatment is based on dietary supplement of antioxidants, intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs, laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy and devices for hypovision. A further therapeutic approach is represented by plasmapheresis, which aims to remove, from the circulation, a series of substances responsible for compromising the smooth functioning of the microcirculation of these patients.
Molecules to be removed:
Fibrinogen; a2-macroglobulin; LDL cholesterol; IgM;Suggested therapies:
DFPP, Cascade Filtration
Molecules to be removed:
IgA; IgM; Antibodies against AQP4 (IgG);Suggested therapies:
DFPP, Cascade Filtration