Assessment of plasmapheresis. Report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology.

Abstract

Based on the review of the literature, therapeutic PP has a definite role in the treatment of patients with GBS, CIDP, polyneuropathies associated with MGUS, MG, and LEMS (table). PP may have a role in treating patients with Refsum's disease, acquired neuromyotonia, stiff-man syndrome, cryoglobulinemic polyneuropathy, CNS-SLE, ADEM, and MS, but these decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis. PP has no role in treating patients with ALS or paraneoplastic syndromes with circulating autoantibodies.