Immunoadsorption plasmapheresis in acute ataxic neuropathy.
Acute ataxic neuropathy is characterized by sensory ataxia and areflexia. There is no established treatment. We tried immunoadsorption plasmapheresis 15 days after the onset for a 46-year-old woman suffering from this neuropathy. She could not walk even with assistance because of sensory ataxia. A sural nerve biopsy revealed active axonal degeneration and loss of myelinated fibers. We tried 5 sessions of plasmapheresis during 2 weeks. She could walk with assistance 12 days after the beginning of the plasmapheresis treatment. It took 3 months for her to be able to walk over 5 m without assistance, and she had severe sensory ataxia over a 17 month follow-up period. Immunoadsorption plasmapheresis started within 2 weeks after the onset of acute ataxic neuropathy may have beneficial effects if the axonal degeneration is mild. The plasmapheresis, however, should be continued for a longer period. A double blind study is necessary to clarify the effectiveness of this treatment on acute ataxic neuropathy.
Sato
T
T
Department of Neurology, Hakodate Medical Association Hospital, Hokkaido, Japan.
Nakao
T
T
Baba
M
M
Habu
M
M
Matsunaga
M
M
D000208:Acute Disease; D001259:Ataxia / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007164:Immunosorbents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009410:Nerve Degeneration / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010956:Plasmapheresis / Q000379:methods*
D007164:Immunosorbents