Plasma exchange in chronic progressive multiple sclerosis: a long-term study.

Abstract

Plasma exchange (PE) was shown in a previous double-blind randomized controlled study to confer significant additional benefit at 1 year upon patients with chronic progressive multiple sclerosis (CPMS) treated with immunosuppressive drug therapy (ISDT). Efficacy over an extended term, indications for retreatment, and long-term toxicity are dealt with in this analysis of a larger number of patients. During the past 7 years, 200 patients with CPMS have been treated with PE and low-dose ISDT at this center. Improvement on the Kurtzke Disability Status Scale by one or more steps post-therapy and at 3-year follow-up is significant by comparison with pre-PE disability status. Clinical improvement was maintained in the majority of patients, reaching as far as a 6-year follow-up. Major life-threatening complications attributable to this combined therapy were not observed.

• Authors: B O Khatri, M P McQuillen, R G Hoffmann, G J Harrington, D Schmoll
• Journal: Neurology (Neurology) Vol. 41 Issue 3 Pg. 409-14 (Mar 1991) ISSN: 0028-3878 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2006010 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Immunosuppressive Agents

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Chronic Disease
• Disability Evaluation
• Female
• Humans
• Immunosuppressive Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Longitudinal Studies
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Multiple Sclerosis (drug therapy, physiopathology, therapy)
• Plasma Exchange (adverse effects)