title: Factors associated with the effectiveness of plasma exchange for the treatment of NMO-IgG-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.
abstract: To identify factors associated with plasma exchange response in neuromyelitis optica (NMO) spectrum disorders, the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of 31 NMO-IgG-positive patients receiving plasma exchange for steroid-resistant exacerbations were analyzed. Functional improvement was observed in 65% of the patients. A lower baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale score was associated with favorable response (p = 0.040). Patients without cord atrophy had a higher success rate than patients with atrophy (p = 0.016). Levels of NMO-IgG did not differ between responders and non-responders before and after plasma exchange. In conclusion, a minimal pre-existing disability is the primary determinant of the effectiveness of plasma exchange.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Young-Min
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.forename: So Young
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Pyun
authors.forename: Bong-Hui
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.forename: Jimin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Kwang-Kuk
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009188:Myelitis, Transverse / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D009471:Neuromyelitis Optica / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010951:Plasma Exchange; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000276:immunology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D007074:Immunoglobulin G