Feasibility & safety of plasma exchange in paediatric neuro-immunology: A single center experience

Eur J Paediatr Neurol. 2020 Jul:27:94-97. doi: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2020.04.001. Epub 2020 Apr 10.

Abstract

Background: There is limited data available on the safety of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) for paediatric neuro-immunological disorders (PNID). In this study, we report our data on safety and feasibility of TPE for these disorders.

Methods: Retrospective chart review was performed to include all patient who received TPE for four major PNID conditions: autoimmune encephalitis (AIE), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), Neuromyelitis optic spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and transverse myelitis (TM). We recorded minor and major adverse effects (AEs) associated with each TPE procedure. Secondary analysis also looked at the efficacy data of TPE on these patients.

Results: Thirty-two patients with PNID received a total of 186 TPE cycles. Out of these, only 1 cycle (0.89%) in AIE subgroup, 1 (4.3%) in NMOSD and 1 (4.5%) in TM had adverse effects. No patients had major side effects.

Conclusion: TPE was safe and well tolerated in our PNID patients.

Keywords: Paediatric neuro-immunological disorders (PNID); Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE).

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Encephalitis / therapy*
  • Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated / therapy*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Hashimoto Disease / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Myelitis, Transverse / therapy*
  • Neuromyelitis Optica / therapy*
  • Plasma Exchange / adverse effects
  • Plasma Exchange / methods*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Young Adult

Supplementary concepts

  • Hashimoto's encephalitis