AM23-SN-01-O: Challenges in Pediatric Apheresis: Big Challenges for Small Patients (Enduring)

Apheresis and cellular therapy procedures in pediatric patients pose many clinical challenges. Significant modifications to adult apheresis protocols & practices are required while performing pediatric apheresis. Some procedures that may feel routine in adult patients may be daunting to the providers if they do not routinely treat children & infants. Vascular access, anticoagulation, volume variation & priming are just a few of the common challenges faced while performing pediatric apheresis.In this session, speakers will share their institutional experiences & provide insight into procedure modifications & management of complications in pediatric patients. Specific examples for managing stem cells and MNC collections, extracorporeal photopheresis, plasma exchange, and other apheresis procedures, including mitigation of adverse events, in patients as small as 4 Kg will be shared. This session will review 17 patients under 10 Kg who underwent successful stem cell collections. Details of managing tandem apheresis procedures (with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation & Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy) will also be discussed. After attending this session, the audience should have gained knowledge of and comfort with safely performing apheresis in pediatric patients.