article · Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis
BACKGROUND: Therapeutic apheresis (TA) is an established treatment modality for hematologic, neurologic, and immunologic disorders, yet access remains severely limited in sub-Saharan Africa. Donor apheresis, including platelet apheresis collection from healthy donors, represents an important complementary modality supporting blood product availability and national transfusion services. The Nigerian Society for Apheresis (NSFA) held its inaugural scientific meeting on February 6, 2026, representing a significant milestone in advancing apheresis services in West Africa. METHODS: We present a comprehensive summary of seven oral presentations and three poster abstracts submitted to the inaugural NSFA meeting, representing multi-center experiences from Lagos, southeastern Nigeria, and international collaborative programs. RESULTS: Collectively, over 3800 therapeutic and donor apheresis procedures were reported across multiple centers over varying time periods. The most common procedures were apheresis platelets (73.7% of 2405 procedures at one center) and automated red cell exchange for sickle cell disease (25.7%). Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) was performed for neurological indications including Guillain-Barré syndrome, myasthenia gravis, and neuromyelitis optica, as well as for renal transplant desensitization. A national survey revealed limited awareness among healthcare workers (mean knowledge score 5.10 ± 2.44/10), yet 88.4% expressed interest in hands-on training. International collaboration through the ISN Sister Renal Centers program successfully established TPE capabilities at two centers in southwestern Nigeria. Common challenges included equipment availability, consumables supply, and cost barriers. CONCLUSIONS: These abstracts demonstrate growing therapeutic and donor apheresis capacity in Nigeria despite significant infrastructural and economic challenges. The establishment of NSFA and collaborative international programs represents a critical step toward expanding access to this essential therapy in West Africa.
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DOI: 10.1002/1744-9987.70160
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