Clinical Improvement with Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Neuroimmunological Children: A Single Center Experience

Abstract

Background: Neuroimmunological diseases in children encompass a range of disorders that lead to neurological complications in patients due to immune responses and systemic circulating antibodies. Limited research has been conducted on therapeutic plasma exchange’s efficacy and potential side effects in children with neuroimmunological diseases. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate this procedure’s effectiveness and potential side effects in children afflicted by these diseases. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined a cohort of 18 children with neuroimmunological diseases who were admitted to the neurology department of Mofid Hospital over one year from March 2021 and underwent therapeutic plasma exchange. Results: The study included 18 patients, with an equal distribution of 9 females and 9 males. A total of 121 procedures were performed across 6 different disease groups: Multiple Sclerosis (22%, n = 4), Autoimmune Encephalitis (22%, n = 4), Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (22%, n = 4), Guillain-Barré syndrome (22%, n = 4), Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (6%, n = 1), and Optic Neuritis (6%, n = 1). Following the plasma exchange, 17 patients (95%) showed immediate clinical improvement, while one patient diagnosed with optic neuritis did not respond to the treatment. During the follow-up period, 14 patients (78%) demonstrated significant improvement, one patient (6%) showed moderate improvement, and two patients (11%) exhibited mild improvement compared to their pre-plasmapheresis condition. Laboratory examinations revealed that only one patient experienced thrombocytopenia, which resolved without requiring treatment. No complications were observed during the follow-up visits for any of the patients. Conclusions: Plasma exchange is a safe procedure for children with neuroimmunological diseases and yields favorable clinical responses.