Shaping the role of plasma exchange in autoimmune neurology: lessons learned from 67 years and over 90,000 procedures

Therapeutic plasma exchange (PLEX) is a powerful and fast-acting immunomodulating therapy that is underutilized for autoimmune neurological disorders. Here, we present the largest collection of real-world experiences with PLEX procedures to date in the treatment of autoimmune neurological conditions, supporting its safety and clinical benefits with patient cases and corresponding patient videos. Our collective real-world experience with PLEX spans over 67 years, 90,210 procedures, and includes nine double-blind randomized controlled and unblinded studies serving as principal investigators. Case histories and videos of our patients demonstrate when and how PLEX should be used, identify barriers to using PLEX, and ways to overcome these barriers. Specific protocol details are shared of how to treat an acute or chronic phase of a disease. If used appropriately and early in the disease course for both acute and chronic progressive phases, PLEX can safely change the trajectory of many autoimmune neurological disorders in both outpatient and inpatient settings.