Related Experiment Videos
A closer look at plasmapheresis in multiple sclerosis: the cons
1Department of Neurology, Southwestern Medical School, UTHSCD, Dallas, TX 75235.
Neurology
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Plasmapheresis offers little benefit for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, despite its use in other autoimmune disorders. Clinical trials show minimal sustained improvement, questioning its efficacy and cost-effectiveness in MS treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Therapeutic Apheresis
Background:
- Plasmapheresis is used for autoimmune disorders like Guillain-Barré syndrome and myasthenia gravis.
- Interest exists in its application for multiple sclerosis (MS) due to its autoimmune component.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical efficacy and cost-benefit of plasmapheresis in multiple sclerosis (MS).
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trials investigating plasmapheresis in MS patients.
- Analysis of the underlying assumptions and limitations of using plasmapheresis for MS.
Main Results:
- Clinical trials indicate little to no significant clinical benefit from plasmapheresis in MS.
- The rationale for plasmapheresis (removing circulating autoantibodies) may not apply effectively to MS pathology.
- Sustained clinical benefit attributable to plasmapheresis in MS is minimal.
Conclusions:
- The cost-benefit ratio does not support the use of plasmapheresis in MS, whether used alone or with other immunosuppressants.
- Plasmapheresis is not considered an expedient or effective therapy for multiple sclerosis based on current evidence.