Plasma-Exchange Therapy in Acute Immune-Mediated Neuropathy: Effects on Muscle Strength and Functional Outcomes

Abstract

Background and objectives. This study explores the impact of plasma exchange therapy (TPE) on muscle strength and functional outcomes in patients with acute immune-mediated neuropathy. Materials and methods. We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from patients diagnosed with acute immune-mediated neuropathy at the Department of Neurology, Bolan University of Medical Sciences, Baluchistan, from January 2016 to December 2021. Results. The study, comprising 141 patients with various neurological disorders, underscores the efficacy of plasma exchange therapy in improving muscle strength and functional outcomes, particularly in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Notably, after four weeks of treatment, a significant proportion of patients demonstrated improved mobility, with 51.8% able to walk without assistance. However, despite the positive response to therapy, a small percentage (2.8%) experienced unfavorable outcomes marked by expiration. Additionally, the study identifies significant associations between treatment outcomes and patient characteristics, such as the number of plasma exchange cycles and diagnosis (p <0.05), emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment approaches in managing neurological disorders. Conclusions. Our findings underscore the effectiveness of plasma exchange in enhancing muscle strength and functional outcomes in acute immune-mediated neuropathy, particularly GBS. © 2024, Amaltea Medical Publishing House. All rights reserved.