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Plasmapheresis in children with Guillain-Barré syndrome
P J Lamont1, H M Johnston, V A Berdoukas
1Department of Paediatric Neurology, Prince of Wales Childrens Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
Insights
Plasmapheresis treatment for children with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) led to faster recovery of walking ability. This GBS treatment showed significant clinical improvement with no major side effects in young patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder affecting children.
- Severe GBS cases can lead to paralysis and respiratory failure, requiring intensive support.
- Limited treatment options exist for pediatric GBS, necessitating research into effective therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of plasmapheresis in treating children diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome.
- To compare the recovery time of independent walking in children with GBS treated with plasmapheresis versus those receiving only supportive care.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of six children with GBS underwent plasmapheresis between 1987 and 1989.
- Patients' mobility and need for ventilation were assessed before and during treatment.
- Recovery metrics, specifically the time to independent walking, were recorded.
Main Results:
- All six children had impaired mobility at the start; one required mechanical ventilation.
- Five out of six patients demonstrated clinical improvement during plasmapheresis.
- No significant adverse events were reported during the treatment period.
- The median time to achieve independent walking was 17 days for the plasmapheresis group.
- This is significantly faster than the 43-day median recovery time observed in a control group receiving only supportive care.
Conclusions:
- Plasmapheresis appears to be a safe and effective treatment for pediatric Guillain-Barré syndrome.
- This intervention can accelerate functional recovery, particularly the return of independent walking, in affected children.
- Further research may support plasmapheresis as a standard treatment for severe pediatric GBS cases.
Abstract:
Between 1987 and 1989, we plasmapheresed six children with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). None of the children could walk independently at the start of the treatment, and one was being ventilated. Five patients showed clinical improvement during pheresis, and no significant side effects occurred. The median time from onset of weakness to independent walking for these six children was 17 days. This compares with 43 days for 18 children with GBS in this institution who were given supportive measures only.