If you have heard of leukapheresis, you or somebody you care about may be going through a medical issue that impacts the number of white blood cells in the body. Conditions like leukostasis and hyperleukocytosis may result in abnormal peripheral white blood cell counts. Leukapheresis is helpful in addressing this.
Want to learn more about the benefits of this procedure? Keep reading for additional information about the procedure and what it can do for patients.
Leukapheresis Reduces Symptoms for Many Health Conditions
Conditions like hyperleukocytosis and leukostasis can be quite painful and debilitating to deal with. It also helps people with conditions like hemochromatosis and polycythemia experience reduced conditions as well. The goal is to improve the quality of life for patients who might otherwise be suffering or in a lot of pain.
Leukapheresis Reduces the White Blood Cell Count
Of course, the main reason professionals turn to this procedure is to reduce the count of peripheral white blood cells circulating around the body. The treatment takes just a few hours and can drastically impact the white blood cell count, providing relief for a variety of conditions, including lymphocytic leukemias.
Leukapheresis Changes the Scope of the Blood
Viscosity is the thickness and stickiness of the blood. When you are dealing with a serious condition that impacts the blood, reducing the viscosity of the blood is important. It can help thin the blood and ease some of the pain that may come with friction-causing blood. When blood has a high viscosity, it can also damage tissues in the body. Leukapheresis can provide help relieving this issue.
Leukapheresis Sheds Light on the Prognosis for Chemotherapy
If you are expecting to undergo chemotherapy in the future, you might first undergo leukapheresis. The procedure can help doctors determine how well your body might be able to accept chemotherapy.
Is Leukapheresis Right For You?
Leukapheresis is a great choice for many people who are dealing with a variety of medical conditions. If you have a medical condition that translates to abnormal white blood cell counts, you might ask your doctor if undergoing a procedure like leukapheresis is the best option for your health condition.
Of course, this procedure is not necessarily right for everybody. It is important that you talk to a doctor about the side effects because there are some issues you might need to consider before you undergo leukapheresis. It all starts with making an appointment with your healthcare provider.
For more information on leukapheresis, contact a medical center.
