leukapheresis
Pronunciation: loo-ka-fuh-REE-sis
Procedure to rapidly reduce white blood cell count by mechanically removing leukocytes from circulation.
Full Definition
Leukapheresis is an emergency therapeutic procedure that involves the mechanical separation and removal of white blood cells from the patient's circulation using specialized apheresis equipment. The procedure is most commonly performed for hyperleukocytosis-related leukostasis, where extremely high white blood cell counts cause microvascular occlusion and organ dysfunction. During the procedure, the patient's blood is continuously withdrawn, processed through a cell separator that selectively removes leukocytes, and the remaining blood components are returned to the patient. Leukapheresis provides rapid cytoreduction, typically reducing white blood cell counts by 30-60% per procedure, serving as a bridge to definitive chemotherapy initiation.
Usage
Usage note: Single word procedure name; not 'leuko-apheresis' or 'leukocyte apheresis'
In Context
- "Emergency leukapheresis was performed for symptomatic hyperleukocytosis before chemotherapy initiation." — Emergency procedure note
- "Two sessions of leukapheresis successfully reduced the white count from 180,000 to 45,000 per microliter." — Clinical case documentation