Plasmapheresis in children with Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Between 1987 and 1989, we plasmapheresed six children with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). None of the children could walk independently at the start of the treatment, and one was being ventilated. Five patients showed clinical improvement during pheresis, and no significant side effects occurred. The median time from onset of weakness to independent walking for these six children was 17 days. This compares with 43 days for 18 children with GBS in this institution who were given supportive measures only.
Lamont
P J
PJ
Department of Paediatric Neurology, Prince of Wales Childrens Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
Johnston
H M
HM
Berdoukas
V A
VA
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010956:Plasmapheresis / Q000009:adverse effects; D011129:Polyradiculoneuropathy / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors