RHEOPHERESIS AS TREATMENT IN AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

Ina Fischer, L. O. Hattenbach, F. Koch (Frankfurt/M.)

Rheopheresis is a specific application of membrane differential filtration, synonymous with double filtration plasmapheresis for extracorporal hemorheotherapy. It eliminates a specific spectrum of high molecule weight proteins from human plasma (e. g. fibrinogen, alpha-2-macroglobulin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, IgM) thus optimizing rheological parameters.

In 10 %-20 % of patients, dry ARMD progresses to the wet form. Large soft confluent drusen carry an increased risk of developing neovascularisations. The therapie for patients with ARMD is very unsatisfactory. Several studies have shown that Rheopheresis has a beneficial effect in patients with dry ARMD, especially if soft drusen are the main clincal sign. Here we report on an ongoing prospective reandomized trial of rheopheresis in age-related macular degeneration with predominantly soft drusen. Based on results from this study and comparing theim with available data, we discuss the use of Rheopheresis in ARMD with soft drusen as exhibited at present.


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