“Maculopathy: degenerative pathology characterized by accumulation of substances responsible for microcirculation’s degeneration. Plasmapheresis may be used to improve capillary circulation.”

Ophthalmology

RETINAL MACULAR DEGENERATION

Macular degeneration is a disease that affects the central portion of the retina, called the macula, impairing its function. The disease is often identified as age-related degeneration, as it occurs mainly in people over the age of 60. Many older people develop the disease as part of the natural aging process.

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

The neuromyelitis optica of Devic (NMO) is a central nervous system demyelinating disease, characterised by the predominant optic nerve. The disease is also often associated with other immune system disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (LES).

  • Molecules to be removed:
    IgA; IgM; Antibodies against AQP4 (IgG);

  • Suggested therapies:
    DFPP, Cascade Filtration

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