April 1, 1995Neurology150 citations
View Full PaperPlasmapheresis in fulminant acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
Key Result
Plasmapheresis resulted in clinical improvement in two patients with fulminant acute disseminated encephalomyelitis who had previously failed to improve on steroids.
Study Design
Type
Case Report (n=2)
Structured PICO
Does plasmapheresis improve clinical outcomes in patients with fulminant ADEM who failed steroids?
P
Population
Two patients with fulminant acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) who failed to improve on steroids.
I
Intervention
Plasmapheresis and steroids
O
Outcome
Clinical improvement
Plasmapheresis may be a beneficial treatment for fulminant ADEM in patients who do not respond to steroids.
Abstract
We describe two patients with fulminant acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) treated with plasmapheresis after they failed to improve on steroids. Both patients improved concomitant with the plasma exchange. These are the first reported cases of fulminant ADEM with extensive white matter abnormalities on imaging studies treated with a regimen of plasmapheresis and steroids. Plasmapheresis may be beneficial in this disorder.