title: [Rapid modification of the symptomatology of progressive forms of multiple sclerosis by plasma exchange].
abstract: Twelve consecutive patients with a progressive form of multiple sclerosis were submitted to 6 sessions of plasma exchange as single therapy. Results were evaluated by Mac Alpine's, Kurtzke's, a simplified semi-quantitative neurologic validity scale and by determination of 4 totally objective quantitative parameters. A decrease in the disability score, according to Kurtzke, was noted in 4 patients, and comparison of scores of neurologic validity before and after plasma exchange showed a highly significant difference (p less than 0.0001). A significant effect was noted also for two of the quantitative parameters. The effect was predominant on pyramidal and cerebellar disorders. Improvement was rapid but transient and did not persist after 2 months. Theoretically, this improvement after plasma exchange implies the existence of circulating neuro-inhibitory factors and that multiple sclerosis is a disease not limited to the central nervous system. Indications for plasma exchange in the progressive form of multiple sclerosis are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D009433:Neural Inhibition; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D010951:Plasma Exchange; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex
vernacular_title: Modification rapide par les échanges plasmatiques de la sémiologie de formes progressives de la sclérose en plaques.