Therapeutic role of plasma exchange in the management of stiff person syndrome: experience from a tertiary care centre.

INTRODUCTION: The stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare and disabling neurological disorder characterized by muscle stiffness, painful spasms and rigidity involving the proximal and axial limb muscles, with an estimated incidence of 1 case per million per year. The first line of treatment for symptomatic management includes gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic agonists, benzodiazepines and baclofen. The therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), alone or as an adjuvant to other forms of immunomodulation, has been used as a therapeutic option, particularly in refractory cases. METHODS: An observational study was performed to review SPS patient symptoms, comorbidities, electromyography (EMG) studies and treatment, identifying autoantibodies, therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) procedural details and clinical response. MAIN RESULTS: Five patients (4 male and one female) were treated with TPE during the study period as adjuvant therapy. The average age was 47 years (range 34 - 61 years), and anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase 65-kilodalton isoform (anti-GAD65) antibodies were positive in 80 % (4/5) of the patient population. All patients received immunosuppressive drugs along with TPE. Four patients received TPE during the first admission and one received it during the third hospital admission. All patients showed good improvement immediately after TPE, but it was not a sustainable effect. CONCLUSION: TPE may be helpful as adjuvant therapy for SPS patients to provide relief from clinical symptoms.

Therapeutic plasma exchange for neuromyelitis optica attacks: Evidence and challenges from a real-world cohort from Brazil.

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) can improve disability recovery after neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease (NMOSD) attacks, but its effectiveness and safety in Latin-American patients with access barriers and diverse ethnicity is underexplored. We carried out a retrospective cohort study with NMOSD patients that underwent TPE. 84 NMOSD attacks in 68 patients were evaluated. Despite a median 25-day delay from symptom onset to TPE, 65,5% of patients showed significant improvement. Adverse events occurred in 39% of patients, usually transitory and with no fatalities.

Effects of therapeutic plasma exchange on a cohort of patients with severe coronavirus infection: real world evidence from Brazil

ABSTRACT Introduction: The therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) controls the systemic cytokine level and might improve the immune response in patients with severe Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. To date, in developing countries, no study has explored the effectiveness and risk factors in a population with severe COVID-19 exposed to the TPE. Method: We described the risk factors associated with survival rates higher than 28 days and length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU) shorter than 15 days. Severe COVID-19 cases treated with TPE were included, from August 2020 to June 2021. Survival analysis with Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to assess patient-related factors that could predict a higher survival rate and the ICU LOS. Results: A total of 99 patients with severe COVID-19 who had received TPE were followed during their hospital stay and for 28 days after discharge. The sample was composed of men (63%) aged 56 ± 16 years. The overall survival rate at 28 days was 80%. The ICU LOS (p = 0.0165) and mechanical ventilation (MV) (p = 0.00008) were considered factors that could increase the risk of death. Patient-related factors that influenced the 28-day mortality were the smoking status (OR = 5.8; 95%CI 1.5, 22) and history of oncologic or non-malignant hematologic diseases (OR = 5.9; 95%CI 1.2, 29). Conclusion: Patients with severe COVID-19 exposed to the TPE were associated with a 20% risk of death in a 28-day observation window, appearing to be lower than previous treatments. Active smoking, cancer and immunosuppressive conditions should be considered as relevant variables to be controlled in future trials on the TPE and COVID-19.

Effects of therapeutic plasma exchange on a cohort of patients with severe coronavirus infection: real world evidence from Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: The therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) controls the systemic cytokine level and might improve the immune response in patients with severe Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. To date, in developing countries, no study has explored the effectiveness and risk factors in a population with severe COVID-19 exposed to the TPE. METHOD: We described the risk factors associated with survival rates higher than 28 days and length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU) shorter than 15 days. Severe COVID-19 cases treated with TPE were included, from August 2020 to June 2021. Survival analysis with Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to assess patient-related factors that could predict a higher survival rate and the ICU LOS. RESULTS: A total of 99 patients with severe COVID-19 who had received TPE were followed during their hospital stay and for 28 days after discharge. The sample was composed of men (63%) aged 56 ± 16 years. The overall survival rate at 28 days was 80%. The ICU LOS (p = 0.0165) and mechanical ventilation (MV) (p = 0.00008) were considered factors that could increase the risk of death. Patient-related factors that influenced the 28-day mortality were the smoking status (OR = 5.8; 95%CI 1.5, 22) and history of oncologic or non-malignant hematologic diseases (OR = 5.9; 95%CI 1.2, 29). CONCLUSION: Patients with severe COVID-19 exposed to the TPE were associated with a 20% risk of death in a 28-day observation window, appearing to be lower than previous treatments. Active smoking, cancer and immunosuppressive conditions should be considered as relevant variables to be controlled in future trials on the TPE and COVID-19.

Hipertrigliceridemia severa durante el embarazo

Resumen: Durante el embarazo se producen cambios a nivel de la concentración de los lípidos debido a cambios fisiológicos con el fin de favorecer una adecuada nutrición fetal, estos cambios rara vez tienen consecuencias clínicas. Se presenta el caso clínico de una gestante que a las 31 semanas de edad gestacional se le diagnostica un estado hipertensivo del embarazo, constatándose hipertrigliceridemia severa con alto riesgo de pancreatitis. Se realizó recambio plasmático terapéutico y gemfibrozilo, con buena respuesta clínica.

Abstract: During pregnancy, changes occur at the level of lipid concentration due to physiological changes in order to promote adequate fetal nutrition, these changes rarely have clinical consequences. The clinical case of a pregnant woman is presented who at 31 weeks of gestational age is diagnosed with a hypertensive state of pregnancy, confirming severe hypertriglyceridemia with a high risk of pancreatitis. Therapeutic plasma exchange and gemfibrozil were performed, with a good clinical response.

Resumo: Durante a gravidez ocorrem alterações ao nível da concentração de lípidos devido a alterações fisiológicas de forma a promover uma nutrição fetal adequada, estas alterações raramente têm consequências clínicas. Apresenta-se o caso clínico de uma grávida que às 31 semanas de idade gestacional é diagnosticada com estado hipertensivo da gravidez, confirmando hipertrigliceridemia grave com elevado risco de pancreatite. Foi realizada plasmaférese terapêutica e gemfibrozil, com boa resposta clínica.

Regional Hypertonic Citrate Anticoagulation in Membrane Therapeutic Plasma Exchange: A Case Series.

RATIONALE: Protocols for regional citrate anticoagulation with the hypertonic 4% trisodium citrate solution have been recently described as an anticoagulation strategy during membrane therapeutic plasma exchange (mTPE). The effect of citrate in the patient's systemic hemostasis is negligible, thus regional citrate anticoagulation application is advantageous in circumstances in which heparin-based protocols are deemed unsafe for patients with a high risk of bleeding. The downsides of using hypertonic citrate solutions are mainly hypocalcemia and hypernatremia that ultimately can cause adverse clinical events. PRESENTING CONCERNS OF THE PATIENT: (1) A 57-year-old Caucasian female with a history of active vaginal bleeding secondary to endometrial hyperplasia. She had a history of antiphospholipid syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus with marked refractory autoimmune thrombocytopenia. Her platelet count was persistently below 4,000/mm3 even after different immunosuppressive regimens and daily platelet transfusions. (1) A 70-year-old Caucasian female was hospitalized presenting acute kidney injury stage 3 due to rapidly progressive antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, however without the need for renal replacement therapy. At admission, serum creatinine (sCr) was 3.56 mg/dL (normal range: 0.53-1.00 mg/dL). Her baseline sCr was 0.8 mg/dL obtained 6 months earlier. Chest tomography revealed bilateral masses compatible with granulomatous lesions and no signs of alveolar bleeding. Since severe cases of ANCA vasculitis involving the lungs may evolve with alveolar hemorrhage, heparin was avoided. DIAGNOSES: (1) Systemic lupus erythematosus-associated autoimmune thrombocytopenia and (2) ANCA-associated vasculitis with kidney and lung involvement. INTERVENTIONS: Herein, we describe a case series of 12 consecutive mTPE treatments in 2 different patients using regional 4% trisodium citrate anticoagulation. OUTCOMES: All the sessions were uneventful, presented only minor electrolyte imbalances, and were effectively completed without early interruptions due to clotting of the plasmafilter. TEACHING POINTS: In our 2 cases, extracorporeal regional citrate anticoagulation was successful in optimizing plasmafilter patency without bleeding events in 2 high-risk patients using established protocols for the citrate and calcium infusions.

FONDEMENT: Les protocoles d'anticoagulation régionale avec une solution hypertonique à 4 % de citrate trisodique ont récemment été décrits comme stratégie d'anticoagulation pendant les séances d'échange plasmatique par filtration (mTPE ­ membrane therapeutic plasma exchange). L'effet du citrate étant négligeable sur l'hémostase systémique du patient, l'anticoagulation régionale au citrate s'avère avantageuse dans les cas où les protocoles avec l'héparine sont jugés dangereux pour les patients dont le risque d'hémorragie est élevé. Les inconvénients liés aux solutions hypertoniques de citrate sont principalement l'hypocalcémie et l'hypernatrémie, lesquelles peuvent éventuellement entraîner des effets indésirables sur le plan clinique. PRÉSENTATION DES CAS: a) Une femme de race blanche âgée de 57 ans qui présentait des saignements vaginaux actifs en raison d'une hyperplasie de l'endomètre. La patiente avait des antécédents de syndrome antiphospholipide et de lupus érythémateux disséminé avec thrombopénie autoimmune réfractaire marquée. Sa numération plaquettaire demeurait invariablement inférieure à 4 000/mm3 malgré différents traitements immunosuppresseurs et la transfusion quotidienne de plaquettes. b) Une femme de race blanche âgée de 70 ans hospitalisée pour une insuffisance rénale aiguë de stade 3 due à une vascularite à évolution rapide associée aux anticorps cytoplasmiques antineutrophiles (ANCA). La patiente ne nécessitait aucun traitement de remplacement rénal. Son taux de créatinine sérique (SCr) à l'admission était de 3,56 mg/dL (plage normale : 0,53 à 1,00 mg/dL) alors que son taux initial, mesuré 6 mois plus tôt, était de 0,8 mg/dL. Une tomographie thoracique a révélé des masses bilatérales compatibles avec les lésions granulomateuses et l'absence de saignement alvéolaire. L'héparine a été écartée puisque les cas graves de vascularite associée aux ANCA avec atteinte des poumons peuvent évoluer vers une hémorragie alvéolaire. DIAGNOSTICS: a) Thrombocytopénie autoimmune associée à un lupus érythémateux disséminé; b) vascularite associée aux ANCA avec atteinte des reins et des poumons. INTERVENTIONS: Nous décrivons une série de cas impliquant deux patientes ayant subi 12 séances de mTPE consécutives avec un anticoagulant régional à 4 % de citrate trisodique. RÉSULTATS: Toutes les séances se sont déroulées sans incident, seuls des déséquilibres électrolytiques mineurs ont été observés. Toutes les séances ont été réalisées efficacement, sans interruption précoce due au blocage du filtre à plasma. ENSEIGNEMENTS TIRÉS: Dans deux cas qui présentaient un risque élevé d'hémorragie, l'anticoagulation régionale extracorporelle avec citrate, réalisée conformément aux protocoles établis pour les perfusions de citrate et de calcium, a permis d'optimiser la perméabilité du filtre à plasma sans causer d'événement hémorragique.

Therapeutic plasma exchange in MS refractory relapses: Long-term outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is considered a treatment option for steroid-refractory multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses. Our objective was to assess long-term clinical response to TPE in MS steroid-refractory exacerbations. METHODS: Retrospective study of relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) patients presenting intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMPS)-refractory relapses, who underwent TPE. Response to TPE was assessed at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24-months post-treatment, and compared to a second group of RRMS patients with similar demographic and clinical characteristics presenting, IVMPS-refractory relapses but not treated with TPE. Multivariate regression analysis was used to assess potential predictors of significant clinical response. RESULTS: Between 2011 to 2020, a total of 23 RRMS patients were treated with TPE. Twenty-one patients not receiving the treatment served as controls. No differences in demographic or clinical characteristics, or predictors of clinical improvement after TPE were detected between groups. Seventy-eight percent of patients treated with TPE presented clinical improvement at 24 months. TPE-treated patients presented lower EDSS scores at 6 and at 24 months. Younger age, presence of gadolinium-enhancing lesions and TPE treatment were associated with better clinical outcomes. No life-threatening side effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS: TPE is a safe and well tolerated procedure that decreases long-term disability in RRMS patients with IVMPS-refractory relapses.

Therapeutic plasma exchange in critically ill children: experience of the pediatric intensive care unit of two centers in Chile.

INTRODUCTION: Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an extracorporeal blood purification technique used in a wide spectrum of diseases. We aim to review the indications, complications, and outcomes of critically ill children who received TPE and to compare a membrane versus centrifugal method in this cohort. METHODS: A retrospective observational study in two pediatric intensive care units in Chile during eight years (2011-2019) Results: A total of 36 patients underwent 167 TPE sessions (20 centrifugation and 16 membrane-based). The more frequent indications for TPE were autoimmune neurological diseases in 14 cases, renal diseases (9), and rheumatological disorders (5). 58 % of children received other immunomodulatory therapy. According to ASFA, 45 % of cases were I-II category, 50 % to III, and 5% not classified. Response to treatment was complete in 64 % (23/36) and partial in 33 % (12/36). Complications occurred in 17.4 % of sessions, and the most frequent was transient hypotension during the procedure. Overall survival at discharge from the PICU was 92 %. Patients who received TPE as a single therapy (n = 26) survived 96 %. The clinical outcomes between the two apheresis methods were similar. Survivors had a significantly lower PELOD score on admission (14.5 vs. 6.5, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: TPE is mainly indicated as a rescue treatment in neurological autoimmune diseases refractory to conventional immunomodulatory treatment. Complications in critically ill children are mild and low. The outcome in children requiring TPE as a single therapy is good, and no differences were observed with centrifugation or membrane method.

Acquired factor XIII deficiency in patients under therapeutic plasma exchange: A poorly explored etiology.

INTRODUCTION: Factor XIII (FXIII) deficiency may cause bleeding under certain clinical circumstances. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) may lead to a transient deficiency. OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical evolution of patients with acquired FXIII deficiency secondary to TPE. METHODS: We respectively studied a cohort of consecutive patients from 2014 to 2019 who were treated with TPE with FXIII levels <50%. The FXIII was measured after the start of the TPE course, on days between the TPE sessions, due to suspected acquired deficiency. All TPE were performed using continuous flow cell separator. In all cases, the initial replacement fluid applied was albumin. Apheresis procedures were held at 24to 48 hours intervals. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were included, 13 of them were recipients of kidney transplants. The main TPE prescription was humoral rejection. Median FXIII at diagnosis (measured on days between sessions of the TPE course) was 19%(IQR17-25). The median of apheresis procedures before measurement of FXIII was 3(IQR2-4). Among the total cohort, 10 patients suffered hemorrhages. None of the patients without history of kidney transplants had bleeding (n = 5), however, 10/13 with kidney transplants did. Five kidney transplant patients received therapy with FXIII concentrate because of life-threatening bleeding. In all cases, the bleeding stopped within the first 24 hours. All patients had their FXIII levels measured again after finishing the TPE course, with normal results. CONCLUSIONS: TPE is an under-diagnosed cause of acquired FXIII deficiency since routine coagulation tests remain unaltered. It might cause major bleeding, particularly in patients with a recent history of surgery like kidney transplants.

Effects of therapeutic plasma exchange on liver function test and coagulation parameters in acute liver failure patients

ABSTRACT Background: Currently the treatment of choice for critical liver failure is liver transplantation. Liver failure is treated conservatively until a matching liver donor becomes available. The therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) plays an important role as a bridge to transplantation by removing accumulated toxins from patient plasma, as well as restoring the coagulation profile. Method: This was a retrospective study on critically ill liver disease patients who underwent TPE from January 2012 to September 2015. The data were collected for the analyses of coagulation parameters, liver function tests, renal function tests, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores, mortality, and hospital stay. Results: In the study duration, a total of 45 patients with critical liver disease underwent therapeutic plasma exchange. The TPE resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the bilirubin level, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), serum ferritin level and MELD scores. Higher MELD scores in both pre- and post-TPE were associated with higher mortality during the hospital stay. Conclusion: The TPE is safe and well-tolerated, and it improves coagulation profile and liver function tests in critically ill liver disease patients, but the overall survival remains low.

Effects of therapeutic plasma exchange on liver function test and coagulation parameters in acute liver failure patients.

BACKGROUND: Currently the treatment of choice for critical liver failure is liver transplantation. Liver failure is treated conservatively until a matching liver donor becomes available. The therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) plays an important role as a bridge to transplantation by removing accumulated toxins from patient plasma, as well as restoring the coagulation profile. METHOD: This was a retrospective study on critically ill liver disease patients who underwent TPE from January 2012 to September 2015. The data were collected for the analyses of coagulation parameters, liver function tests, renal function tests, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores, mortality, and hospital stay. RESULTS: In the study duration, a total of 45 patients with critical liver disease underwent therapeutic plasma exchange. The TPE resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the bilirubin level, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), serum ferritin level and MELD scores. Higher MELD scores in both pre- and post-TPE were associated with higher mortality during the hospital stay. CONCLUSION: The TPE is safe and well-tolerated, and it improves coagulation profile and liver function tests in critically ill liver disease patients, but the overall survival remains low.

Experience in therapeutic plasma exchange by membrane filtration at an academic center in Colombia: Registry of the first 500 sessions.

INTRODUCTION: Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an extracorporeal blood purification therapy that is part of the treatment of various diseases. Plasma and blood cells can be separated by centrifugation or using membrane separators. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive analysis, in which the first 500 TPE sessions using membrane filtration without anticoagulation of the extracorporeal circuit are described. RESULTS: Five hundred (500) TPE sessions were performed on 68 patients over a period of 5 years. Therapeutic indications were 17 different diseases. 5% albumin was the most frequent replacement solution used in 62% of sessions. The mean number of plasma volume replacements was 1.33. Complications occurred in 7.6% of the sessions. Arterial hypotension was the most common event and clotting of the extracorporeal circuit was documented in just one TPE session. Electrolyte tests performed in patients during the procedure showed: 11% hypocalcemia, with a similar distribution of hypokalemia. Twenty-two percent (22%) and 37% of phosphorus and magnesium records, respectively, were higher than normal. No symptoms associated with electrolyte abnormalities were documented. CONCLUSIONS: TPE by membrane filtration is one of the techniques by which it is possible to perform such therapy. In this registry, a low rate of complications was documented. While the need for anticoagulation may be related not only to clotting of the circuit but also to the efficiency of the therapy, clinical response in this series of patients was as expected for each disease. Continuous monitoring and an individualized analysis of electrolytes should be performed in TPE patients.

Plasmaféresis terapéutica / Therapeutic plasmapheresis

Resumen Introducción: cada día hay más evidencia acerca de la utilidad de la plasmaféresis en diferentes entidades clínicas. Existen múltiples registros internacionales de plasmaféresis; sin embargo, la información en Colombia e incluso en Latinoamérica es limitada. Objetivo: realizar análisis descriptivo de la experiencia en plasmaféresis de una institución académica en Bogotá, Colombia. Analizar las características de la técnica, indicaciones, complicaciones y características demográficas de los pacientes. Material y métodos: se realiza un análisis descriptivo de las sesiones de plasmaféresis realizadas en el Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, en pacientes mayores de 18 años durante el periodo comprendido entre agosto de 2008 hasta agosto de 2011. Todas las sesiones se realizaron mediante la técnica de filtración transmembrana y no se usó anticoagulante en ninguna de ellas. Resultados: se analizaron 278 sesiones de plasmaféresis en 33 pacientes adultos durante un período de tres años. 69.7% de los pacientes eran mujeres, el promedio de edad era 42 años. 57% de las sesiones se realizaron en pacientes con diagnóstico de miastenia gravis y hemorragia alveolar. El volumen promedio de intercambios plasmáticos fue 1.28. El 9.3% de las sesiones presentaron al menosuna complicación. Se documentó frecuentemente hipotensión arterial en las sesiones realizadas con albúmina al 3.5%. 12% de los registros de electrolitos tenían hipocalcemia y 47% hipermagnesemia. No hubo muertes relacionadas con la terapia y pese al no uso de anticoagulante, no se presentó coagulación del circuito en ninguna de las sesiones. Conclusiones: dada nuestra experiencia consideramos que la plasmaféresis es una terapia segura. Es necesario evaluar la necesidad de la administración de anticoagulante al circuito de plasmaféresis, dado que no se documentó coagulación de éste en ninguna sesión y su uso podría estar asociado a eventos adversos. El monitoreo continuo de los electrolitos es fundamental y la reposición de los mismos debe ser individualizada. (Acta Med Colomb 2014; 39: 29-34).

Abstract Introduction: there is growing evidence for the usefulness of plasmapheresis in different clinical entities. There are many international records of plasmapheresis, but the information in Colombia and even in Latin America, is limited. Objective: to perform a descriptive analysis of the experience in plasmapheresis of an academic institution in Bogotá, Colombia. To analyze the characteristics of the technique, indications, complications and demographic characteristics of patients. Material and methods: descriptive analysis of plasmapheresis sessions performed in the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio in patients older than 18 years during the period from August 2008 to August 2011. All sessions were conducted by the technique of transmembrane filtration. No anticoagulation was used in any of them. Results: 278 sessions of plasmapheresis were analyzed in 33 adult patients over a period of three years. 69.7% of patients were female, with mean age of 42 years. 57% of the sessions were conducted in patients diagnosed with myasthenia gravis and alveolar hemorrhage. The average volume of plasma exchange was 1.28. 9.3% of the sessions presented at least one complication. Hypotension was frequently documented in the sessions performed with 3.5% albumin. 12% of electrolytes records had hypocalcemia and 47% hypermagnesemia. There were no therapy-related deaths and despite the non-use of anticoagulant, no clotting of the circuit in any of the sessions was presented. Conclusions: Given our experience, we believe that plasmapheresis is a safe therapy. It is necessary to assess the need for administration of anticoagulant to the plasmapheresis circuit since no clotting in it in any session was documented and its use could be associated with adverse events. Continuous monitoring of electrolytes is essential and its replacement should be individualized. (Acta Med Colomb 2014; 39: 29-34).

Recambio plasmático terapéutico en enfermedades neurológicas pediátricas / Therapeutic plasma exchange in pediatric neurological diseases

El recambio plasmático terapéutico (RPT) es un procedimiento utilizado en el tratamiento de distintas patologías, especialmente las de etiología autoinmune. La base fisiopatológica del RPT consiste en la eliminación de mediadores inflamatorios a través de la extracción de un volumen variable de plasma del paciente y su sustitución por una solución de reposición, usualmente albúmina al 5%; utilizando separadores celulares. Objetivo: analizar la experiencia de nuestra institución en el tratamiento con RPT de pacientes con enfermedades neurológicas. Material y métodos: estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo sobre una población de 43 pacientes con enfermedad neurológica (Miastenia Gravis, Guillain Barré, Enfermedad de Devic, Encefalomielitis diseminada aguda, Polineuropatía desmielinizante inflamatoria crónica y Encefalitis de Rasmussen), tratados con una serie de RPT entre junio 1994 y junio 2009. Resultados: se pudieron evaluar 38 pacientes, por falta de información sobre los 5 restantes, observándose alguna mejoría del cuadro clínico en el 79% de los mismos. En 68% de los RPT se observó una o más complicaciones (hipocalcemia, hipotensión, parestesias). Conclusiones: en nuestra experiencia el recambio plasmático terapéutico constituye un tratamiento efectivo para las enfermedades neurológicas en las que fenómenos autoinmunes juegan un rol importante en la patogénesis, incluso en aquellas con un bajo nivel de evidencia clínica según la categorización de indicaciones de la ASFA.

Therapuetica plasma exchange (TPE) is a procedure used for the treatment of different diseases, especially those of autoimmune etiology. The pathophysiological basis of the TPE is the removal of inflammatory mediators through the extraction of a variable volume of patient plasma and its replacement by a solution, usually albumin 5%, using cell separators. objective: to analyze our institution's experience in the TPE treatment of patients with neurological diseases. Material and methods: a retrospective, descriptive study of a population of 43 patients with neurological disease ( Myasthenia Gravis, Guillain Barre syndrome, Devic's disease, Acute demyelinating polyneuropathy, Rasmussen's encephalitis) treated with a series of TPE between june 1994 and june 2009. Results: 38 patients were able to assess, for lack of information on the remaining 5. We observed some clinical improvement in 79% of them. In 68% of the TPE one or more complications (hypocalcemia, hypotension, paresthesias) were observed. Conclusions: in our experience the therapeutic plasma exchange is an effective treatment for neurological diseases in which autoimmune phenomena play an important role in pathogenesis, even in those with low levels of clinical evidence according to the categorization of indications of the ASFA.