Immunoadsorption therapy for steroid-unresponsive relapses in patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in steroid-unresponsive relapses of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is an established therapy with response rates of up to 70%. Immunoadsorption (IA) specifically removes immunoglobulins from the patient's plasma. It is hypothesized that IA therapy might be better tolerated than and as effective as TPE in the treatment of MS relapses. Experiences with IA therapy of steroid-unresponsive MS relapses are limited.

Methods: We report our experiences with IA therapy in a series of 10 patients with steroid-unresponsive MS relapses.

Results: A marked to moderate clinical response with clear gain of function was observed in 66% of our patients. IA therapy was well tolerated.

Conclusions: IA therapy is an effective and well-tolerated therapeutic option for steroid-unresponsive MS relapses.