[Therapeutic plasma exchange: applications in neurology]

Plasma exchange is a technique used in the treatment of some neurological autoimmune disorders since the 80s, especially in acute conditions. In recent years new data about it use has been published in many diseases with autoimmune basis, expanding the range of use of this technique.

To update the current indications of this technique in the treatment of neurological diseases.

We conducted a thorough review of all articles about the efficacy of plasma exchange in the treatment of different neurological diseases published since the 80s. We have also carried out a detailed analysis of recommendations and evidence of the use of this procedure by analyzing the guidelines of different scientific societies.

Plasma exchange has proven to be an effective alternative treatment with high grade scientific evidence in diseases such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and myasthenia gravis. It has been effective in treating acute demyelinating episodes unresponsive to other therapies, neuromyelitis optica relapses and other central nervous system diseases induced by antibodies. In comparative studies with intravenous immunoglobulin efficacy of both therapies is similar. Comparative studies should continue to be conducted in order to better understand the mechanisms of action, prioritize indications and compare the cost-effectiveness ratio of both procedures.