Plasma exchange (PE) and lymphocytapheresis (LCA) in multiple sclerosis (MS)

In 96 patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) 277 plasma exchanges (PE) including 176 lymphocytaphereses were performed. Improvement was mainly seen in patients with a short course of disease and at acute exacerbations. Patients with chronic progressive and relapsing intermittent courses responded only poorly. One or two PE were sufficient to induce improvement which was only marginally altered by subsequent PE. Our data confirm that only selected patients will benefit from PE-treatment especially those with acute exacerbations.