John Kramer
Tanzania
Research Article
Plasma Exchange in Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: Twenty-Five Year Follow-Up Study
Author(s): Bhupendra O Khatri, Sergey Tarima, Michael P McQuillen, John Kramer, Mary Dukic and Cynthia BellangerBhupendra O Khatri, Sergey Tarima, Michael P McQuillen, John Kramer, Mary Dukic and Cynthia Bellanger
Secondary Progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) is a common form of MS with few approved and effective therapies. Previous studies of therapeutic plasma exchange (PLEX) in SPMS have reported mixed results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term efficacy and safety of PLEX in SPMS. We retrospectively analyzed 25 years of PLEX therapy in SPMS to identify improvements in disease progression and disability as well as potential predictors of therapeutic success. Using 271 patients, we show a significant improvement in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) lasting for at least three years following a course of PLEX. Furthermore, disability remained significantly improved or stabilized for seven years post-PLEX. Patients with continued and measureable disability worsening in the previous three years are more apt to improve with PLEX. A small number of patients (N=42) for whom .. Read More»
DOI:
10.4172/2376-0389.1000102
