Safety of plasma exchange therapy in patients with myasthenia gravis.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Plasma exchange (PLEX) is effective in myasthenia gravis (MG), but there are concerns about its safety.

METHODS:

We collected data prospectively from 42 patients randomized to PLEX treatment in a comparison study with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). Detailed information on the PLEX treatment methodology and adverse events are reported.

RESULTS:

Forty of 42 patients completed PLEX. Ninety percent were treated in an outpatient setting. Fifty-five percent had no complications, and 45% had mild-moderate reactions that did not require stopping treatment; the majority were citrate reactions and peripheral vascular issues that were easily treated. Fifty-seven percent of patients responded to treatment, and 83% completed PLEX via peripheral venous access. Two patients had severe adverse events: 1 related and 1 unrelated to PLEX. Comorbid disease and age did not predict reactions.

CONCLUSION:

PLEX is safe, effective, and well tolerated in patients with MG. Our results do not raise concerns about the safety of PLEX in patients with moderate-severe MG.

• Authors: Hamid Ebadi, David Barth, Vera Bril
• Journal: Muscle & nerve (Muscle Nerve) Vol. 47 Issue 4 Pg. 510-4 (Apr 2013) ISSN: 1097-4598 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23322564 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Chemical References

• Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
• Immunologic Factors

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Female
• Humans
• Immunoglobulins, Intravenous (therapeutic use)
• Immunologic Factors (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Myasthenia Gravis (therapy)
• Plasma Exchange (adverse effects, methods)
• Prospective Studies
• Young Adult