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Liquorpheresis (CSF filtration) in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
1Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for epilepsy and neuromuscular disorders, NKG Rosenhügel, Vienna, Austria.
Objectives:
Liquorpheresis (CSF filtration) has been shown to be of benefit in various neurologic disorders, including sporadic ALS. Liquorpheresis in patients with familial ALS, has not been investigated so far.
Methods:
A 52-year-old woman with familial ALS is reported who underwent liquorpheresis during 4 consecutive days. During this period, 875 ml CSF were filtered off via an intrathecal catheter and a combined mechanical and ionic filter by means of a bi-directional syringe pump.
Results:
Immediately after treatment and 2 weeks later there was subjective, but no objective, improvement of her symptoms, assessed by the Norris score and measurements of the elbow extension, vital capacity, F-waves of both ulnar nerves and automatic EMG of the right brachial biceps and anterior tibial muscles.
Conclusion:
Liquorpheresis does not seem to be helpful in the treatment of familial ALS.