Efficacy and Safety of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Children with Neuroimmunological Disorders: A Limited Unicentral Study

Iran J Child Neurol. 2024 Spring;18(2):31-41. doi: 10.22037/ijcn.v18i1.40139. Epub 2024 Mar 12.

Abstract

Objectives: Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is a plasmapheresis procedure whose Safety data for pediatric neuro-immunological disorders (PNID) is confined. The present research documents TPE's safety and feasibility data in these conditions.

Materials & methods: The current study involved six distinct groups of patients with PNID undergoing TPE: neuromyelitis optic spectrum disorder (NMOSD), autoimmune encephalitis (AIE), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), multiple sclerosis (MS), Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), and optic neuritis (ON). This study documented complications related to each TPE process. In addition, TPE's efficacy was studied in these patients.

Results: The present study recorded adverse effects in 18 patients with PNID that received 121 TPE cycles: five cycles (4.13%) in MS, three (2.48%) in AIE subgroup, one (0.82%) in ADEM, and two (1.65%) in GBS. No severe complications were observed among the patients.

Conclusion: Patients with PNID tolerated therapeutic plasma exchange, which was a safe process.

Keywords: Adverse Effects; Children; Neuroimmunological Disorders; Pediatric; Therapeutic Plasma Exchange.