Plasma Exchange for Multiple Sclerosis
Overview:
- Plasma exchange, also known as plasmapheresis, is a short-term treatment for acute exacerbations in some people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Procedure
- Blood is removed, filtered outside the body, and then replaced.
- The plasma, or liquid part of Show Full Answer
Plasma Exchange for Multiple Sclerosis
Overview:
- Plasma exchange, also known as plasmapheresis, is a short-term treatment for acute exacerbations in some people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Procedure:
- Blood is removed, filtered outside the body, and then replaced.
- The plasma, or liquid part of the blood, is replaced with either albumin (a liquid protein made in the human body) or plasma from a donor.
- Only the plasma is removed; red and white blood cells are combined with the replacement plasma and returned to the body.
- The process is performed in a dedicated clinical setting, typically in a hospital.
Intended Outcomes:
- The goal is to reduce neurological disabilities during severe MS flare-ups.
- It helps remove autoantibodies from the blood, which are antibodies that target the body's nervous system.
When Is It Used?
- Used as a second-line therapy if a person with MS cannot tolerate high doses of corticosteroids.
- Recommended by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) for people whose flare-ups are not responding well to high doses of corticosteroids or who cannot tolerate drug therapy.
- Not effective for progressive forms of MS.
Treatment Duration:
- Each treatment requires two to four hours.
- Typically, people undergo between three and seven treatments.
Results:
- In a 1999 study, 36 people experiencing acute MS flare-ups who failed to improve with intravenous corticosteroids were either given plasma exchange or a sham treatment.
- Of the 19 people who received plasma exchange, eight showed moderate or better improvement in neurological deficits.
- Only one person of the 17 who received the sham treatment experienced similar improvements during the treatment period.
Constraints:
- Plasma exchange can be time-consuming and expensive.
- Insurance coverage may vary.
- A very small number of people may experience side effects.
Additional Notes:
- Plasma exchange is primarily used to manage relapses (also known as attacks or flares).
- It is not a cure for MS but can help provide relief from symptoms.
For more detailed information, you can visit the following resources:
- [Plasma exchange for Multiple Sclerosis | MyMSTeam](https://www.mymsteam.com/treatments/plasma-exch...)
- [Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis) for MS: Procedure, Side Effects, and More | MyMSTeam](https://www.mymsteam.com/resources/plasmapheres...)
July 14, 2024
Join
Your Privacy Choices
