Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 30, 2026

Induction of Paralysis and Visual System Injury in Mice by T Cells Specific for Neuromyelitis Optica Autoantigen Aquaporin-4
Published on: August 21, 2017
Immunoadsorption or plasma exchange in steroid-refractory multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica
Mark Lipphardt1, Johannes Mühlhausen1, Bernd Kitze2
1Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Germany.
Background:
Plasma exchange (PE) and immunoadsorption (IA) are alternative treatments of steroid-refractory relapses of multiple sclerosis (MS) or neuromyelitis optica (NMO).
Methods:
Adverse events and neurological follow-ups in 127 MS- (62 PE, 65 IA) and 13 NMO- (11 PE, 2 IA) patients were retrospectively analyzed. Response was defined by improvements in either expanded disability status scale (EDSS) by at least 1.0 or visual acuity (VA) to 0.5, confirmed after 3 and/or 6 months.
Results:
Hundred and forty patients were included in safety analysis, 102 patients provided sufficient neurological follow-up-data. There were no significant differences between IA and PE in side effects (3.9% vs 3.6%, P = .96) or response-rate (P = .65). Responders showed significant lower age (P = .02) and earlier apheresis-initiation (P = .01). Subgroup-analysis confirmed significant lower age in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) /clinical isolated syndrome (CIS).
Conclusion:
IA and PE seem equally safe and effective in steroid-resistant MS- or NMO-relapses. Early apheresis and low patient age are additional prognostic factors.
Related Concept Videos
Social Exchange Theory
Social Exchange Theory
Gas Exchange and Transport
Capillary Exchange
Ion Exchange
Respiration and Gaseous Exchange
Respiration involves the exchange of gases, especially oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2), between the alveoli and body cells, a process facilitated by blood circulation. As a result, the cardiovascular system, which involves...

