Abstract
Background: This study assesses plasmapheresis use for neurological disorders in a Northwestern Pakistan hospital, highlighting its efficacy for Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) and Neuromyelitis Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) in the local context. Further research is warranted to explore its long-term outcomes in diverse neurological conditions. Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the utilization, indicators, and prevalence of plasmapheresis as a therapeutic intervention in a tertiary care hospital in Northwestern Pakistan. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of patients who underwent plasmapheresis for neurological disorders for six months, from 1st March 2022 to 31st August 2022. Data regarding demographic characteristics, clinical diagnosis, indications for plasmapheresis, treatment outcomes, and prevalence rates were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 59 patients with various neurological disorders were included in the study. The most common neurological disorders were Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) and Neuromyelitis Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD), accounting for 82% of the cases. Moreover, 54 % of patients were male, and 46 % were female. It was also observed that while around 13 % of the patients belonged to Peshawar, the rest of the patient population was from outside the local community. Conclusions: A variety of neurological disorders require plasmapheresis as a treatment option, with Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder being the most common cases in our setting. This emphasizes the significance of plasmapheresis as an effective treatment for these conditions, especially in comparison to immunoglobulin therapy, which is more commonly used in high-income countries. Further research and prospective studies are needed to explore the long-term outcomes and efficacy of plasmapheresis in managing various neurological disorders.
Published Version
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