Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis treated with plasmapheresis

Singapore Med J. 2005 Oct;46(10):561-3.

Abstract

Accepted modes of therapy in acute disseminated encephalomyelitis include intravenous methyl prednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulin or a combination of both. Effectiveness of plasmapheresis has been demonstrated by previous case reports. We report two patients with steroid non-responsive acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in which plasmapheresis resulted in complete clinical and radiological recovery, though the therapy was initiated in the fifth week of illness. A total of 45-50 ml/kg body weight of plasma was removed in six equal exchanges over a period of two weeks. This report highlights that plasmapheresis could be of use even in the early second month of illness.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Encephalomyelitis / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Plasmapheresis*
  • Retreatment