Plasma-exchange in idiopathic radiculopolyneuropathies: a study in 62 patients

The effectiveness of plasma exchange (PE) in the treatment of acute and chronic idiopathic radioculopolyneuropathies (IR) is discussed on the basis of the literature and personal data. Results of controlled trials by Swedish, French and North American groups are favourable to the use of PE in acute forms, whereas one English group found no significant differences between treated patients and controls. Dick et al. (1986) reported significant improvement also in patients with chronic forms after PE. Personal data from a non-controlled series of 62 acute and chronic IR and from a trial group of 12 acute patients and 12 controls indicated that PE--though helpful in Guillain-Barré syndrome--was not so useful in chronic forms.