title: Plasma exchange in immune-mediated neuropathies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Plasma exchange is frequently used for treatment of immune-mediated neuropathies. Here, we review the current value of plasma exchange in the treatment of different forms of immune-mediated neuropathies and discuss latest developments.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Plasma exchange is used in various disease conditions; however, of all immune-mediated disorders of the peripheral nerve, Guillain-Barré syndrome represents the disease entity in which short and long-term efficacy, optimal frequency, side effects and cost effectiveness of plasma exchange are best documented. Although randomized trials evaluated the value of plasma exchange in chronic forms of immune-neuropathies, its long-term efficacy and its optimal frequency still remain unclear.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Especially in chronic forms of immune-mediated neuropathies, plasma exchange needs to be further evaluated in clinical trials to assess long-term efficacy and its potential as adjuvant treatment option.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany. helmar.lehmann@uni-duesseldorf.de
authors.forename: Helmar C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Lehmann
authors.forename: Hans-Peter
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Hartung
authors.forename: Gerd
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Meyer Zu Hörste
authors.forename: Bernd C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Kieseier