Rheopheresis for ARMD: The Frankfurt model
Frank H. J. Koch (Frankfurt/M.)
A rheopheresis to treat drusen in age-related macula disease (ARMD) includes the elimination
of a defined spectrum of high molecular proteins leading to a reduction of the blood/
plasmaviscosity , a reduced aggregation of erythrocytes and thrombo-cytes and an improved
flexibility of the erythrocytes.
Repeated, pulsed reduction of blood/plasmaviscosity causes a rapid alterations of the blood
flow and induces a continuing improvement of the microcirculation.
The goal of this presentation will be to share and discuss the „Frankfurt expertise“ on a large
group of patients suffering from „very soft“ drusen taking profit from rheopheresis over several
years.
We will try to compare the „Frankfurt results“ with the (preliminary) outcome of the US MIRA
study and point out some important aspects which may help everybody to successfully start rheopheresis in future.