Objective: To explore the safety of plasma exchange (PE) therapy in patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis.
Methods: Prospective reviews were conducted for the adverse events and therapeutic efficacies of PE therapy in 9 patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis admitted into neuro-intensive care unit from January 2012 to January 2015.
Results: A total of 54 PE procedures were performed. The NMDA receptor antibody titer of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and/or sera in 9 patients (100%) decreased or turned negative. Five patients (55.5%) demonstrated clinical improvement after PE therapy. And clinical complications included frequent involuntary movements, hypotension, coagulation of PE channel, febricity, allergic response and errhysis around peripheral venous access.
Conclusion: PE is effective, safe and well-tolerated in patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis.