[Clinical study of double filtration plasmapheresis for treatment of refractory myasthenia gravis].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the therapeutic effect, timing of administration, complication prevention and management of the double filtration plasmapheresis (DFP) in the treatment of refractory myasthenia gravis (MG).

METHODS:

Thirty-one patients with refractory MG were treated with KM 8800 membrane plasmapheresis monitor. DFP was performed every 3 days and the exchanging liquid was composed of 50 ml of 20% albumen and 1000 ml plasma substitute. Physical examination for absolute clinical score and blood sample was collected for AchR-Ab determination early in the morning on days 0, 3, 7, 14 of DFP.

RESULTS:

With a total effective rate of 91.9%, complete recovery, basic recovery, improvement, and response was achieved in 2, 4, 11, and 17 patients, respectively, whereas the other 3 failed to respond. Hypotension occurred twice in 2 cases and was corrected after symptomatic treatment.

CONCLUSION:

DFP may effectively lower blood AchR-Ab level of with minimal complications, and can be valuable for treatment of refractory MG.

• Authors: Jiang-tao Huo, Hai-li Long, Xiang Luo, Jin-zhi Xu
• Journal: Nan fang yi ke da xue xue bao = Journal of Southern Medical University (Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao) Vol. 27 Issue 3 Pg. 355-7 (Mar 2007) ISSN: 1673-4254 [Print] China
• PMID: 17425991 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Autoantibodies
• Receptors, Cholinergic

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Autoantibodies (blood)
• Child
• Female
• Filtration
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Myasthenia Gravis (blood, therapy)
• Plasma Exchange (methods)
• Receptors, Cholinergic (immunology)
• Retrospective Studies
• Treatment Outcome