CHANGES OF HEMORHEOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS AFTER PLASMA PERFUSION USING A TRYPTOPHAN-POLYVINYL ALCOHOL ADSORBER LEADING TO CLINICAL IMPROVEMENT IN PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM MACULOPATHY

Background: Selective adsorption is an extracorporeal treatment able t o reduce high-molecular-weight proteins and lipids. We evaluated its e fficacy in lowering hemorheological parameters to achieve a better mic rocirculation of the retina. Patients and Methods: Ten patients suffer ing from maculopathies of various origin underwent a selective plasma adsorption procedure using the TR-350. Plasma and whole blood viscosit y, erythrocyte aggregation and proteins and lipids were determined bef ore and 24 h after therapy. Results: Selective adsorption therapy redu ced the high-molecular-weight proteins and lipids. Plasma viscosity, s tandardized whole blood viscosity and erythrocyte aggregation were sig nificantly lowered to 87, 88 and 65%, respectively, of their values pr ior to treatment. An improvement of visual acuity was achieved in 6/10 patients. Minor side effects were noted in 2/10 patients. Conclusions : Selective adsorption using the TR-350 adsorber is a safe technique, showing a high impact on blood theology. The changes of hemorheologica l parameters led to clinical improvement in 6/10 patients suffering fr om retinal disorders.