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Waldenstroms Antibodies
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Macroglobulinemia of Waldenstrom
Alternative Names: Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia; Macroglobulinemia - primary Treatment: Apheresis (in this case, it is called plasmapheresis or plasma exchange) is a procedure for removing unwanted substances from the blood. In macroglobulinemia, it is used to control the symptoms caused by hyperviscosity by removing or reducing the high concentration of IgM. Text Continues Below Blood is withdrawn from the person in the same way as for a blood donation, and the blood is passed through a cell separator that removes the plasma (the fluid portion, which contains the antibodies). The formed elements (blood cells) are reconstituted with a plasma substitute or with donated plasma. The reconstituted blood is then returned to the body in a blood transfusion. This is an acute procedure designed to quickly control symptoms. Drug therapy may include Leukeran, Alkeran, Cytoxan, or corticosteroids. Anemia (deficient number of red blood cells), leukopenia (deficient number of white blood cells) and thrombocytopenia (deficient number of platelets) in the later stages of the disease may require the use of packed red cell transfusions, antibiotics, or platelet transfusions. Expectations (prognosis): The median (average) survival is about 5 years. In some people, the disorder may be chronic with few symptoms and slow progression. Complications: Vision impairment Gastrointestinal bleeding Alterations in mental status possibly progressing to coma Congestive heart failure Calling your health care provider: Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>