Evidence-based guideline update: Plasmapheresis in neurologic disorders: report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology

Comparison of different concentrations of calcium gluconate added in replacement fluid to maintain ionised calcium levels during therapeutic plasma exchange procedures

INTRODUCTION

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is generally well tolerated but Anticoagulant Citrate Dextrose Solution A (ACD-A) can cause citrate mediated hypocalcaemia so, adding calcium gluconate to the replacement fluid is effective in preventing this complication. We aimed to compare the effect of different concentrations of 10 % calcium gluconate (9.3 mg of elemental calcium/100 ml Vs 18.6 mg of elemental calcium/100 ml) added to 5 % Human Serum Albumin (HSA) on intraprocedural and post procedural ionised calcium (iCa2+) levels in patients with neurological conditions undergoing TPE.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study comprised of 100 TPE procedures divided into two groups of 50 each. In group 1, 5 ml of 10 % calcium gluconate was added in 500 ml of 5 % HSA (9.3 mg of elemental calcium/100 ml) and in group 2, 10 ml of 10 % calcium gluconate was added (18.6 mg of elemental calcium/100 ml) in 5 % of HSA. Ionised calcium was noted-pre, intra and post-procedure and compared within the groups along with other procedural parameters and adverse events if any.

RESULTS

We observed that mean intraprocedural ionised calcium levels were comparable (p = 0.579) in both the groups, but post-procedural iCa2+ levels significantly decreased (p = 0.003) in group-1 as compared to group-2. Symptomatic hypocalcaemia was seen in 14 % of patients group 1 compared to 2 % in group-2. Vasovagal reactions were 8 % in group-1 % and 2 % in group-2.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic addition of 18.6 mg of elemental calcium/100 ml of 5 % HSA is safe to maintain levels of iCa2+ throughout the procedure with lower chances of adverse events related to hypocalcaemia.

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Neurological Conditions: An Observation from the Eastern Part of India

INTRODUCTION

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an extracorporeal process of separation of plasma from the cellular components of blood and its replacement with analogous fluids. This process is effective in treatment of disease conditions from dysregulation of the humoral immune system by removal of various humoral pathogenic substances like antibodies, immune complexes, monoclonal proteins, toxins or cytokine(s) and/or the replenishment of a specific plasma factor.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

To evaluate major indications of therapeutic plasma exchange in neurological disorders. To identify major complications associated and factors associated with premature cessation of the therapeutic plasma exchange cycle. Materials and Methods: This is a hospital based retrospective study conducted by analyzing medical records of patients, who had undergone therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) for various neurological disorders at IMS & SUM hospital. Medical records total 118 patients who underwent TPE from January 2016 to December 2021 were analyzed. The demographic data, blood group pattern and indications for TPE were enumerated from the records. Various complications of TPE and reasons for incomplete TPE cycle were documented and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 508 TPE procedures were performed on 118 patients. In this study 61 patients were male and 57 patients were female. O-blood group was commonest blood group among the patients. GBS is the commonest indication of TPE. 57.6 % of patients could complete all sessions TPE cycle. Blockage of vascular access is the commonest cause of incomplete TPE session. Cramps (33%) and mild transient hypotension (27.1%0 were the commonest complications observed.

CONCLUSION

TPE is a safe and effective treatment option for various immune-mediated neurological disorders and should be considered in managing these disorders.

Adult Onset Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis: A Case Report

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a rare autoimmune demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system that can mimic other neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. ADEM is thought to manifest in the presence of environmental triggers, namely viral or bacterial infections, with multiple simultaneous neurological deficits, frequently accompanied by encephalopathy. Here, we report the case of a 49-year-old female patient who presented in the emergency department with encephalopathy, right-side muscle weakness, dizziness, vertigo, ataxia, and postural imbalance, preceded by symptoms suggesting recent pharyngitis/sialadenitis three weeks prior. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis, elevated protein levels, normal glucose levels, no oligoclonal bands, and culture and viral studies were negative. After a normal cerebral computed tomography, brain and cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multiple, T2-weighted hyperintense supratentorial and infratentorial white matter lesions, including the right cerebellar peduncle and posterior limb of the left internal capsule. The diagnosis of ADEM was made, and the patient was treated with high-dose intravenous glucocorticoids followed by oral tapering with clinical improvement. During follow-up, the control MRI was compatible with the diagnosis. This case illustrates the diagnostic approach of a patient presenting with subacute neurological deficits and the importance of contemplating possible differential diagnoses and swiftly initiating treatment.

Disease modifying treatment guidelines for multiple sclerosis in the United Arab Emirates

The newly constituted National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society (NMSS)of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), set up a scientific committee to create a MS disease modifying treatment (DMT) guideline for UAE. The committee considered several unique features of the MS community in UAE including large number of expatriate population, wide variations in health insurance coverage, physician and patient preferences for DMT. The overall goal of the treatment guideline is to facilitate the most appropriate DMT to the widest number of patients. To this end it has adapted recommendations from various health systems and regulatory authorities into a pragmatic amalgamation of best practices from across the world. Importantly where data is unavailable or controversial, a common sense approach is taken rather than leave physicians and patients in limbo. The committee classifies MS into subcategories and suggests appropriate treatment choices. It recommends treatment of RIS and CIS with poor prognostic factors. It largely equates the efficacy and safety of DMT with similar mechanisms of action or drug classes e.g. ocrelizumab is similar to rituximab. It allows early switching of treatment for unambiguous disease activity and those with progression independent of relapses. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can be offered to patients who fail one high efficacy DMT. Pragmatic guidance on switching and stopping DMT, DMT choices in pregnancy, lactation and pediatric MS have been included. It is expected that these guidelines will be updated periodically as new data becomes available.

Beneficial therapeutic plasma exchange response in the treatment of severe relapses in patients with multiple sclerosis

PURPOSE

Therapeutic plasma exchange (PLEX) is effective as a second-line treatment of severe relapses of multiple sclerosis (MS) that failed to respond to standard steroid therapy. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of PLEX in the severe MS relapses in a cohort of patients treated at Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, from 2007 until 2020.

METHODS

This retrospective study comprised 107 MS patients with 127 severe relapses treated with PLEX. Majority of our patients suffered from relapsing remitting MS (83.2%), 12.1% had secondary progressive MS and 4.7% had primary progressive MS. Mean age was 39.2 years (range, 19-79 years), female/male ratio 2.3:1. Pulse corticosteroid treatment was used before PLEX in 99.3% of patients. Median EDSS score at nadire during relapse was 6.0 (range 2.0-10.0). After PLEX, 73.8% relapses showed a marked clinical improvement, 7.1% showed mild improvement and in 19.0% there was no improvement. Median EDSS at discharge was 4.0 (6.0 at nadir of relapse vs. 4.0 at discharge; p<0.0001) and it was sustained at the same level, 6 month after PLEX. Multivariate regression analysis showed that higher EDSS at nadir during relapse (OR=0.63, 95% CI 0.41-0.96, p=0.039) and older age (OR=1.07, 95% CI 1.02- 1.12, p=0.010) were significantly associated with poor treatment response after 6- month follow-up. Adverse events occurred in 17.3 of procedures and they were completely resolved.

CONCLUSION

Our study in a large cohort of MS patients confirmed that PLEX is effective.

Efficacy and Safety of Rescue Treatment with Plasma Exchange in Patients with Acute Inflammatory Neurological Disorders: A Single Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is a highly effective rescue treatment for patients with acute exacerbation of neuroimmunological disease that removes circulating autoantibodies and inflammatory components from the bloodstream. The aims of this study are to explore the safety and the effectiveness of TPE in patients with autoimmune neurological disorders.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the frequency of adverse events (AEs) and the effectiveness of TPE using the modified Ranking Scale (mRS) in patients with acute neurological flares who underwent TPE at the University Hospital of Palermo.

RESULTS

Of 59 patients, the majority underwent TPE due to multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse. In 23.7% of cases, TPE was performed before obtaining a definite diagnosis due to the severity of the clinical presentation. After TPE, the mRS score was globally reduced (p < 0.0001), and this effect was marked in patients with MS, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and myasthenia gravis crisis but not in those with paraneoplastic syndromes. Circulating pathogenetic antibodies, younger age, and the early use of TPE were factors strongly associated with TPE effectiveness. The overall safety profile of TPE was satisfactory with an AE frequency of 15%.

CONCLUSIONS

These results highlight the early use of TPE in patients with circulating pathogenetic antibodies as well as its favorable safety profile.

Apheresis treatment in autoimmune neurological diseases: Predictors of good clinical outcome and success of follow-up therapy with B-cell depletion

OBJECTIVE

Apheresis treatment (AT) is an established standard of treatment in various neurological autoimmune diseases. Since not all patients equally benefit from AT, we saw the need to investigate the effect of different clinical, paraclinical and technical-apparative factors on the clinical outcome. Additionally, we wanted to find out whether patients who improved due to AT continue to be clinically stable under B-cell depletion (BCD).

METHODS

We screened all patients (n = 358) with neurological diseases who received AT at the Medical center of the University of the Saarland in the past 20 years. Different factors (e.g., age, sex, duration until onset of AT, type of AT, number of cycles, csf parameters) were analyzed retrospectively. Clinical disability was measured using the modified Rankin scale (mRS), visual acuity and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

RESULTS

335 patients, categorized into 11 different autoimmune diagnosis groups, received a total of 2669 treatment cycles and showed a statistically significant improvement in mRS with AT (p < 0.001). Patients in American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) categories I (p = 0.013) and II (p = 0.035) showed a significantly greater benefit under AT than those in category III. The clinical outcome was better with shorter duration until AT onset, more cycles of AT, and more plasma volume exchanged and the presence of an autoimmune antibody. Patients who initially profited had a significantly more stable course of the disease after 1-Year-BCD (p = 0.039).

DISCUSSION

In the present study, we were able to identify various significant factors influencing the outcome of patients due to AT. Furthermore, we could show that patients with a response to AT can benefit from BCD follow-up therapy.

Heightened Epstein-Barr virus immunity and potential cross-reactivities in multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a likely prerequisite for multiple sclerosis (MS) but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. We investigated antibody and T cell responses to EBV in persons with MS (pwMS), healthy EBV-seropositive controls (HC) and post-infectious mononucleosis (POST-IM) individuals up to 6 months after disease resolution. The ability of EBV-specific T cell responses to target antigens from the central nervous system (CNS) was also investigated.

METHODS

Untreated persons with relapsing-remitting MS, POST-IM individuals and HC were, as far as possible, matched for gender, age and HLA-DRB1*15:01. EBV load was determined by qPCR, and IgG responses to key EBV antigens were determined by ELISA, immunofluorescence and Western blot, and tetanus toxoid antibody responses by multiplex bead array. EBV-specific T cell responses were determined ex vivo by intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) and cross-reactivity of in vitro-expanded responses probed against 9 novel Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) viruses expressing candidate CNS autoantigens.

RESULTS

EBV load in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was unchanged in pwMS compared to HC. Serologically, while tetanus toxoid responses were unchanged between groups, IgG responses to EBNA1 and virus capsid antigen (VCA) were significantly elevated (EBNA1 p = 0.0079, VCA p = 0.0298) but, importantly, IgG responses to EBNA2 and the EBNA3 family antigens were also more frequently detected in pwMS (EBNA2 p = 0.042 and EBNA3 p = 0.005). In ex vivo assays, T cell responses to autologous EBV-transformed B cells and to EBNA1 were largely unchanged numerically, but significantly increased IL-2 production was observed in response to certain stimuli in pwMS. EBV-specific polyclonal T cell lines from both MS and HC showed high levels of autoantigen recognition by ICS, and several neuronal proteins emerged as common targets including MOG, MBP, PLP and MOBP.

DISCUSSION

Elevated serum EBV-specific antibody responses in the MS group were found to extend beyond EBNA1, suggesting a larger dysregulation of EBV-specific antibody responses than previously recognised. Differences in T cell responses to EBV were more difficult to discern, however stimulating EBV-expanded polyclonal T cell lines with 9 candidate CNS autoantigens revealed a high level of autoreactivity and indicate a far-reaching ability of the virus-induced T cell compartment to damage the CNS.

Emergent Management of Central Nervous System Demyelinating Disorders

OBJECTIVE

This article reviews the various conditions that can present with acute and severe central nervous system demyelination, the broad differential diagnosis of these conditions, the most appropriate diagnostic workup, and the acute treatment regimens to be administered to help achieve the best possible patient outcomes.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

The discovery of anti-aquaporin 4 (AQP4) antibodies and anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibodies in the past two decades has revolutionized our understanding of acute demyelinating disorders, their evaluation, and their management.

ESSENTIAL POINTS

Demyelinating disorders comprise a large category of neurologic disorders seen by practicing neurologists. In the majority of cases, patients with these conditions do not require care in an intensive care unit. However, certain disorders may cause severe demyelination that necessitates intensive care unit admission because of numerous simultaneous multifocal lesions, tumefactive lesions, or lesions in certain brain locations that lead to acute severe neurologic dysfunction. Intensive care may be necessary for the management and prevention of complications for patients who have severely altered mental status, rapidly progressive neurologic worsening, elevated intracranial pressure, severe cerebral edema, status epilepticus, or respiratory failure.

Multiple Sclerosis: An Emergency Medicine-Focused Narrative Review

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a rare but serious condition associated with significant morbidity.

OBJECTIVE

This review provides a focused assessment of MS for emergency clinicians, including the presentation, evaluation, and emergency department (ED) management based on current evidence.

DISCUSSION

MS is an autoimmune disorder targeting the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by clinical relapses and radiological lesions disseminated in time and location. Patients with MS most commonly present with long tract signs (e.g., myelopathy, asymmetric spastic paraplegia, urinary dysfunction, Lhermitte's sign), optic neuritis, or brainstem syndromes (bilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia). Cortical syndromes or multifocal presentations are less common. Radiologically isolated syndrome and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) may or may not progress to chronic forms of MS, including relapsing remitting MS, primary progressive MS, and secondary progressive MS. The foundation of outpatient management involves disease-modifying therapy, which is typically initiated with the first signs of disease onset. Management of CIS and acute flares of MS in the ED includes corticosteroid therapy, ideally after diagnostic testing with imaging and lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Emergency clinicians should evaluate whether patients with MS are presenting with new-onset debilitating neurological symptoms to avoid unnecessary testing and admissions, but failure to appropriately diagnose CIS or MS flare is associated with increased morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

An understanding of MS can assist emergency clinicians in better diagnosing and managing this neurologically devastating disease.

Fulminant multiple sclerosis versus autoimmune encephalitis: A case report

Key Clinical Message

This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in prognosis of fulminant multiple sclerosis, and its similar management with autoimmune encephalitis in some clinical settings, in which these diseases are indistinguishable. This case also supports the use of rituximab in these patients with an adequate response to plasmapheresis.

Abstract

Early diagnosis and treatment of fulminant multiple sclerosis (MS), also known as Marburg' or malignant variant of MS (MVMS), is of great value in reducing morbidity and mortality. Seronegative autoimmune encephalitis (AIE) is very similar to, and sometimes indistinguishable from, fulminant MS. However, the acute and long-term management of the two diseases is often the same. This article describes the clinical course of a patient suspected of having MVMS or AIE and the challenges of their differential diagnosis and management.

Advances in Multiple Sclerosis Neurotherapeutics, Neuroprotection, and Risk Mitigation Strategies

The treatment of patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) has advanced tremendously over the past few decades. More efficacious therapies have been approved, which can significantly reduce the inflammatory process of relapsing MS. Neuroprotection by controlling this pathophysiology is important given our current limitations to control progressive MS and induce neurorepair. Here, the authors discuss the current landscape of neurotherapeutics for relapsing MS focusing on newer disease-modifying treatments and their use. Risk mitigation of these medications can greatly improve their safety and improve their benefit-risk balance. The authors discuss treatment strategies for risk mitigation including treatment discontinuation and de-escalation.

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis remains one of the most common causes of neurological disability in the young adult population (aged 18-40 years). Novel pathophysiological findings underline the importance of the interaction between genetics and environment. Improvements in diagnostic criteria, harmonised guidelines for MRI, and globalised treatment recommendations have led to more accurate diagnosis and an earlier start of effective immunomodulatory treatment than previously. Understanding and capturing the long prodromal multiple sclerosis period would further improve diagnostic abilities and thus treatment initiation, eventually improving long-term disease outcomes. The large portfolio of currently available medications paved the way for personalised therapeutic strategies that will balance safety and effectiveness. Incorporation of cognitive interventions, lifestyle recommendations, and management of non-neurological comorbidities could further improve quality of life and outcomes. Future challenges include the development of medications that successfully target the neurodegenerative aspect of the disease and creation of sensitive imaging and fluid biomarkers that can effectively predict and monitor disease changes.

Plasmapheresis in the ICU

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is a treatment paradigm used to remove harmful molecules from the body. In short, it is a technique that employs a process that functions partially outside the body and involves the replacement of the patient's plasma. It has been used in the ICU for a number of different disease states, for some as a first-line treatment modality and for others as a type of salvage therapy. This paper provides a brief review of the principles, current applications, and potential future directions of TPE in critical care settings.

Oxidative Stress and the Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) Pathway in Multiple Sclerosis: Focus on Certain Exogenous and Endogenous Nrf2 Activators and Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Modulation

The pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) suggests that, in genetically susceptible subjects, T lymphocytes undergo activation in the peripheral compartment, pass through the BBB, and cause damage in the CNS. They produce pro-inflammatory cytokines; induce cytotoxic activities in microglia and astrocytes with the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and other highly reactive radicals; activate B cells and macrophages and stimulate the complement system. Inflammation and neurodegeneration are involved from the very beginning of the disease. They can both be affected by oxidative stress (OS) with different emphases depending on the time course of MS. Thus, OS initiates and supports inflammatory processes in the active phase, while in the chronic phase it supports neurodegenerative processes. A still unresolved issue in overcoming OS-induced lesions in MS is the insufficient endogenous activation of the Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, which under normal conditions plays an essential role in mitochondria protection, OS, neuroinflammation, and degeneration. Thus, the search for approaches aiming to elevate endogenous Nrf2 activation is capable of protecting the brain against oxidative damage. However, exogenous Nrf2 activators themselves are not without drawbacks, necessitating the search for new non-pharmacological therapeutic approaches to modulate OS. The purpose of the present review is to provide some relevant preclinical and clinical examples, focusing on certain exogenous and endogenous Nrf2 activators and the modulation of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). The increased plasma levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) in response to TPE treatment of MS patients suggest their antioxidant potential for endogenous Nrf2 enhancement via NGF/TrkA/PI3K/Akt and NGF/p75NTR/ceramide-PKCζ/CK2 signaling pathways.

Association between proton pump inhibitor use and neurological or psychiatric disorders: a systematic review protocol

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to examine the association between proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and neurological and/or psychiatric disorders in adults.

INTRODUCTION

The association between PPIs and neurological and/or psychiatric disorders remains unclear, despite the widespread use of the medications. A systematic review is required to investigate the risk of developing neurological and/or psychiatric disorders following the use of PPIs.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Studies including participants aged ≥18 years and using any PPIs, including participants with comorbid conditions or using other medications, will be considered for inclusion. Randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and observational studies examining the association of neurological and/or psychiatric disorders with the use of PPIs among adults will be included.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases will be searched from inception until the present. Two authors will independently screen and review the titles, abstracts, and full texts. The methodological quality of included studies will be assessed using the JBI critical appraisal checklists. Study characteristics, populations, type and duration of PPI usage, status of existing neurological and/or psychiatric disorders, comorbidity conditions, use of other medications, identification of neurological and/or psychiatric disorders (International Classification of Diseases codes vs others), and estimation of the associated neurological and/or psychiatric disorders will be extracted. Studies will be pooled using statistical meta-analysis where available; otherwise, the findings will be presented in narrative format. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach for grading the certainty of evidence will be followed.

REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42022355543.

Impact of therapeutic and low volume plasma exchange on clinical laboratory parameters in patients treated for Alzheimer's disease from the AMBAR study

INTRODUCTION

Little is known about the impact of plasma exchange (PE) on clinical laboratory parameters in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients.

METHODS

AD patients in the AMBAR trial (N = 322) received weekly therapeutic PE (TPE) for 6 weeks followed by monthly low-volume PE (LVPE) for12 months. Treatment were placebo (sham PE), low-albumin, low-albumin + IVIG (i.e., albumin alternated with intravenous immunoglobulin) and high-albumin + IVIG.

RESULTS

Coagulation parameters transiently increased post-TPE. Blood calcium, platelets, and albumin levels decreased but remained within the reference range. Leukocyte counts increased. Fibrinogen, hemoglobin, total protein, gamma globulin, and IgG, transiently dipped below the reference range. Hypogammaglobulinemia (7.2 g/L) persisted in pre-TPE measurements. No changes were observed during the LVPE period. Cerebrospinal fluid parameters and vital signs were unchanged throughout.

CONCLUSION

Laboratory parameters of AD patients were affected by TPE similarly to effects of PE-treatment for other pathologies. These effects were less pronounced or non-existent for LVPE.

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange and Multiple Sclerosis Dysregulations: Focus on the Removal of Pathogenic Circulatory Factors and Altering Nerve Growth Factor and Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Plasma Levels

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is predominantly an immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system (CNS) of unknown etiology with a possible genetic predisposition and effect of certain environmental factors. It is generally accepted that the disease begins with an autoimmune inflammatory reaction targeting oligodendrocytes followed by a rapid depletion of their regenerative capacity with subsequent permanent neurodegenerative changes and disability. Recent research highlights the central role of B lymphocytes and the corresponding IgG and IgM autoantibodies in newly forming MS lesions. Thus, their removal along with the modulation of certain bioactive molecules to improve neuroprotection using therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) becomes of utmost importance. Recently, it has been proposed to determine the levels and precise effects of both beneficial and harmful components in the serum of MS patients undergoing TPE to serve as markers for appropriate TPE protocols. In this review we discuss some relevant examples, focusing on the removal of pathogenic circulating factors and altering the plasma levels of nerve growth factor and sphingosine-1-phosphate by TPE. Altered plasma levels of the reviewed molecular compounds in response to TPE reflect a successful reduction of the pro-inflammatory burden at the expense of an increase in anti-inflammatory potential in the circulatory and CNS compartments.

A Clinical Approach to Existing and Emerging Therapeutics in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare but highly disabling disease of the central nervous system. Unlike multiple sclerosis, disability in NMOSD occurs secondary to relapses that, not uncommonly, lead to blindness, paralysis, and death. Recently, newer, targeted immunotherapies have been trialed and are now in the treatment arsenal. We have endeavoured to evaluate the current state of NMOSD therapeutics.

RECENT FINDINGS

This review provides a pragmatic evaluation of recent clinical trials and post-marketing data for rituximab, inebilizumab, satralizumab, eculizumab, and ravalizumab, contrasted to older agents. We also review contemporary issues such as treatment in the context of SARS-CoV2 infection and pregnancy. There has been a dramatic shift in NMOSD morbidity and mortality with earlier and improved disease recognition, diagnostic accuracy, and the advent of more effective, targeted therapies. Choosing a maintenance therapy remains nuanced depending on patient factors and accessibility. With over 100 putative agents in trials, disease-free survival is now a realistic goal for NMOSD patients.

Plasmapheresis Versus Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Patients With Autoimmune Neuromuscular and Neuro-immunological Conditions

OBJECTIVES

Plasmapheresis (PLEX) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) are commonly used to treat autoimmune neuromuscular disorders, including myasthenia gravis, acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, and other autoimmune neurological disorders. The side effect profiles of these therapies vary, and concern has been raised regarding the safety of PLEX in the elderly population. In this study, we have examined the pattern of PLEX and IVIg use for autoimmune neurological disorders at a single facility and in a national database, focusing on the complications in elderly patients.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of adult patients at our institution receiving PLEX or IVIg for any autoimmune neuromuscular or neuro-immunological disease. Next, we analyzed the National Inpatient Sample database to confirm the trend in IVIg and PLEX use from 2012 to 2018 for a set of neuromuscular and neuro-immunological primary diagnoses.

RESULTS

IVIg was overall favored over PLEX. The adverse effects were similar among elderly patients (age ≥65 years) compared with younger patients (<65 years) in our institution, even after adequate matching of patients based on age, sex, and medical history. We examined the National Inpatient Sample dataset and noted increasingly higher frequency of IVIg use, consistent with the findings from our institution or facility.

CONCLUSIONS

Both PLEX and IVIg are safe therapeutic choices in adult patients with autoimmune neuromuscular disorders and other neuro-immunological diseases and can be safely administered in the appropriate clinical setting.

Immunomodulatory Aspects of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Neurological Disorders—A Pilot Study

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is used for drug-resistant neuroimmunological disorders, but its mechanism of action remains poorly understood. We therefore prospectively explored changes in soluble, humoral, and cellular immune components associated with TPE. We included ten patients with neurological autoimmune disorders that underwent TPE and assessed a panel of clinically relevant pathogen-specific antibodies, total serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels, interleukin-6 (IL-6, pg/mL), C-reactive protein (CRP, mg/dL), procalcitonin (PCT, µg/L) and major lymphocyte subpopulations (cells/µL). Blood was collected prior to TPE (pre-TPE, baseline), immediately after TPE (post-TPE), as well as five weeks (follow-up1) and 130 days (follow-up2) following TPE. Pathogen-specific antibody levels were reduced by −86% (p < 0.05) post-TPE and recovered to 55% (follow-up1) and 101% (follow-up2). Ig subclasses were reduced by −70–89% (p < 0.0001) post-TPE with subsequent complete (IgM/IgA) and incomplete (IgG) recovery throughout the follow-ups. Mean IL-6 and CRP concentrations increased by a factor of 3–4 at post-TPE (p > 0.05) while PCT remained unaffected. We found no alterations in B- and T-cell populations. No adverse events related to TPE occurred. TPE induced a profound but transient reduction in circulating antibodies, while the investigated soluble immune components were not washed out. Future studies should explore the effects of TPE on particular cytokines and assess inflammatory lymphocyte lineages to illuminate the mode of action of TPE beyond autoantibody removal.

Constipation in transverse myelitis

Transverse myelitis is an extremely rare neuroinflammatory disorder. About half of the affected patients develop paraplegia associated with urinary and bowel dysfunction. The bowel dysfunction is thought to be benign and is usually managed with dietary management and laxatives. We report a case of a man in his 60s presenting with transverse myelitis and the acute disease course complicated with treatment refractory intestinal dysfunction resulting in intestinal perforation, eventually leading to his death. Thus, this case helps us weigh the fact that intestinal dysfunction in the case of transverse myelitis is not always benign but can lead to deadly outcomes as well.

Plasma exchange in inflammatory demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system: reasonable use in the clinical practice

Plasma exchange (PLEX) is a therapeutic apheresis modality in which the plasma is separated from inflammatory factors such as circulating autoreactive immunoglobulins, the complement system, and cytokines, and its therapeutic effect is based on the removal of these mediators of pathological processes. Plasma exchange is well established for various neurological disorders, and it is applied successfully in central nervous system inflammatory demyelinating diseases (CNS-IDD). It mainly modulates the humoral immune system; thus, it has a greater theoretical effect in diseases with prominent humoral mechanisms, such as neuromyelitis optica (NMO). However, it also has a proven therapeutic effect in multiple sclerosis (MS) attacks. Several studies have suggested that patients with severe attacks of CNS-IDD have poor response to steroid therapy but show clinical improvement after the PLEX treatment. Currently, PLEX is generally established only as a rescue therapy for steroid unresponsive relapses. However, there are still research gaps in the literature regarding plasma volume, number of sessions, and how early the apheresis treatment needs to started. Thus, in the present article, we summarize the clinical studies and meta-analyses, especially about MS and NMO, outlining clinical data regarding the experience with therapeutic PLEX in severe attacks of CNS-IDD, the clinical improvement rates, the prognostic factors of a favorable response, and highlighting the likely role of the early apheresis treatment. Further, we have gathered this evidence and suggested a protocol for the treatment of CNS-IDD with PLEX in the routine clinical practice.

Feasibility, safety, and tolerability of two modalities of plasma exchange with albumin replacement to treat elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease in the AMBAR study

BACKGROUND

In the Alzheimer Management by Albumin Replacement (AMBAR) study, mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients were treated with a plasma exchange (PE) program. Feasibility and safety of PE in this specific population are poorly understood and were analyzed in detail in this study.

METHODS

Qualified patients were treated with 6 weeks of weekly conventional therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) with albumin replacement followed by monthly low-volume plasma exchange (LVPE) for 12 months. The patients were divided into four groups: placebo (sham PE treatment), low-albumin (20 g), low-albumin + intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) (10 g), and high-albumin (40 g) + IVIG (20 g). Adverse events (AEs) were recorded and analyzed for all PE treatment groups and PE modalities.

RESULTS

PE procedure-related AEs were more common in the active treatment groups (16.9% out of 1283 TPE and 12.5% out of 2203 LVPE were associated with at least one AE, a similar rate than in other PE indications) than in the placebo group (0.7% out of 1223 sham PE). Percentage of procedures with at least one AEs was higher with central venous access compared to peripheral venous access in all three active treatment groups (20.1% vs 13.1%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The TPE and LVPE procedures used in the AMBAR study on mild-to-moderate AD population were as safe and feasible as in other therapeutic applications of PE or routine plasmapheresis.

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Certain Immune-Mediated Neurological Disorders: Focus on a Novel Nanomembrane-Based Technology

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an efficient extracorporeal blood purification technique to remove circulating autoantibodies and other pathogenic substances. Its mechanism of action in immune-mediated neurological disorders includes immediate intravascular reduction of autoantibody concentration, pulsed induction of antibody redistribution, and subsequent immunomodulatory changes. Conventional TPE with 1 to 1.5 total plasma volume (TPV) exchange is a well-established treatment in Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy, Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder, Myasthenia Gravis and Multiple Sclerosis. There is insufficient evidence for the efficacy of so-called low volume plasma exchange (LVPE) (<1 TPV exchange) implemented either by the conventional or by a novel nanomembrane-based TPE in these neurological conditions, including their impact on conductivity and neuroregenerative recovery. In this narrative review, we focus on the role of nanomembrane-based technology as an alternative LVPE treatment option in these neurological conditions. Nanomembrane-based technology is a promising type of TPE, which seems to share the basic advantages of the conventional one, but probably with fewer adverse effects. It could play a valuable role in patient management by ameliorating neurological symptoms, improving disability, and reducing oxidative stress in a cost-effective way. Further research is needed to identify which patients benefit most from this novel TPE technology.

Comparison of IVIg and TPE efficacy in the treatment of neurological disorders: a systematic literature review

Background:

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) are among the main immunotherapies for neurological disorders. Their benefit is greatest in immune-mediated conditions, but their distinct efficacy cannot be simply explained.

Objectives:

This review aimed to systematically identify studies comparing the efficacy of TPE and IVIg treatments for selected autoimmune neurological disorders and identify optimal therapies for each condition.

Data Sources and Methods:

PubMed, MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched for original publications from 1990 to 2021. Additional publications were identified via expert recommendations. Conference abstracts older than 2017, review articles and articles without information on TPE and IVIg comparison in title and abstract were excluded. Risks of bias were descriptively addressed, without a meta-analysis.

Results:

Forty-four studies were included on Guillain–Barré syndrome (20 studies – 12 adult, 5 paediatric, 3 all ages), myasthenia gravis (11 studies –8 adult, 3 paediatric), chronic immune–mediated polyradiculoneuropathy (3 studies –1 adult, 2 paediatric), encephalitis (1 study in adults), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (5 studies –2 adult, 3 all ages) and other conditions (4 studies – all ages). TPE and IVIg were mostly similarly efficacious, measured by clinical outcomes and disease severity scores. Some studies recommended IVIg as easy to administer. TPE procedures, however, have been simplified and the safety has been improved. TPE is currently recommended for management of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder relapses and some myasthenia gravis subtypes, in which rapid removal of autoantibodies is crucial.

Conclusion:

Despite some limitations (e.g. the low evidence levels), this review provides an extensive 30-year-long overview of treatments for various conditions. Both IVIg and TPE are usually comparably efficacious options for autoimmune neurological disorders, with few exceptions. Treatment choices should be patient-tailored and based on available clinical resources. Better designed studies are needed to provide higher-level quality of evidence regarding clinical efficacy of TPE and IVIg treatments.

Therapeutic plasma exchange in multiple sclerosis patients with an aggressive relapse: an observational analysis in a high-volume center

An evidence-based treatment for a Multiple Sclerosis (MS) relapse is an intravenous administration of 3-5 g of Methylprednisolone. In case of insufficient effect or corticosteroids intolerance, the therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is indicated. To assess the clinical effect of TPE in treatment of relapse in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), we enrolled 155 patients meeting the following criteria (study period: January 2011 to February 2021): (1) age > 18, (2) RRMS according to the McDonald´s 2017 criteria, (3) MS relapse and insufficient effect of corticosteroids/corticosteroids intolerance, (4) baseline EDSS < 8. Exclusion criteria: (1) progressive form of disease, (2) history of previous TPE. Following parameters were monitored: EDSS changes (before and after corticosteroid treatment, before and after TPE; EDSS after TPE was assessed at the next clinical follow-up at the MS Center), and improvement of EDSS according to the number of procedures and baseline severity of relapse. 115 females (74%) and 40 males (26%) were included. The median age was 41 years (IQR 33-47)-131 patients underwent the pulse corticosteroids treatment and TPE, while 24 patients underwent only TPE without any previous corticosteroid treatment. Median baseline EDSS was 4.5 (IQR 3.5-5.5), median EDSS after finishing steroids was 4.5 (IQR 4.0-5.5). EDSS prior to the TPE was 4.5 (IQR 4-6), EDSS after TPE was 4.5 (IQR 3.5-5.5). We observed a significant improvement in the EDSS after TPE (p < 0.001). Sex differences were seen in TPE effectiveness, with median improvement of EDSS in females being -0.5 (IQR 1-0) and in males being 0 (IQR -0.5 to 0), p = 0.048. There was no difference in EDSS improvement by age category: 18-30 years, 31-40 years, 41-50 years, > 50 (p = 0.94), nor by total TPE count (p = 0.91). In this retrospective study of patients with an aggressive relapse and insufficient effect of intravenous corticosteroid treatment, a significant effect of TPE on EDSS improvement was observed. There was no significant difference in TPE effectivity according to the number of procedures, age, nor severity of a relapse. In this cohort, TPE was more effective in females.

Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with transverse myelitis and traumatic spinal cord injury: A comparative retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

To identify the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with transverse myelitis (TM) and to compare functional status between those patients and a matched group with traumatic spinal cord injury (T-SCI).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

A tertiary rehabilitation hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

The demographic and clinical characteristics of 484 T-SCI patients and 25 TM patients were compared. Functional status was further analyzed by matching the two groups.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The matched patients were compared in terms of motor and sensory functions, bladder and bowel symptoms, ambulation level, the Rivermead Mobility Index, and SCI-related medical complications.

RESULTS

The mean age of the TM patients was 35.6 years and was similar to that of the T-SCI patients. There were significantly more females in the TM group (P = 0.017). Individuals with TM had fewer cervical injuries (P = 0.032) and a higher rate of paraplegia (P = 0.047) and were more often incomplete (P = 0.009) than those with T-SCI. Sensory function was significantly better in the TM group compared to the matched T-SCI group (P = 0.05). Independent ambulation frequency was higher in the TM patients. The SCI-related complications seen in the TM group were as common as those in the T-SCI group.

CONCLUSION

The TM and T-SCI groups differed in terms of the demographic and clinical characteristics recorded. Additionally, when matched for these differences, functional status was slightly better in the TM group. However, like T-SCI, TM was a significant cause of disability and SCI-related complications were common.

Psychopathological Impact in Patients with History of Rheumatic Fever with or without Sydenham's Chorea: A Multicenter Prospective Study

Sydenham's chorea (SC) is a post-streptococcal autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system, and it is a major criterium for the diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever (ARF). SC typically improves in 12-15 weeks, but patients can be affected for years by persistence and recurrencies of both neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms. We enrolled 48 patients with a previous diagnosis of ARF, with or without SC, in a national multicenter prospective study, to evaluate the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms several years after SC's onset. Our population was divided in a SC group (n = 21), consisting of patients who had SC, and a nSC group (n = 27), consisting of patients who had ARF without SC. Both groups were evaluated by the administration of 8 different neuropsychiatric tests. The Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) showed significantly (p = 0.021) higher alterations in the SC group than in the nSC group. Furthermore, 60.4% (n = 29) of the overall population experienced neuropsychiatric symptoms other than choreic movements at diagnosis and this finding was significantly more common (p = 0.00) in SC patients (95.2%) than in nSC patients (33.3%). The other neuropsychiatric tests also produced significant results, indicating that SC can exert a strong psychopathological impact on patients even years after its onset.

First-line immunotherapy of neuronal surface antibody-mediated autoimmune encephalitis: Assessment of therapeutic effectiveness and cost-efficiency

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness and cost-efficiency of first-line immunotherapies on neuronal surface antibody-mediated autoimmune encephalitis (AE) based on a real-world observational study in China.

METHODS

Our study retrospectively collected the clinical and paraclinical data of patients with definite neuronal surface antibody-mediated AE between July 2014 and July 2020. Regular follow-up was performed after administering standard regimens of first-line immunotherapies, including intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) and / or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Therapeutic effectiveness was reflected by modified Rankin Scale scores. The health resource utilization and direct medical costs were extracted to analyze the cost-efficiency.

RESULTS

Among the 78 eligible patients, 48 (61.5%) were males with a median age of 40 years. More than half (56, 71.8%) were treated with combination therapy, with the rest receiving IVMP and IVIG monotherapy (both of 11, 14.1%). Related objective variables, i.e., sex, onset age, disease course, onset symptoms, antibody types, abnormal paraclinical results, disease severity, and the health insurance, showed insignificant differences on the selection of therapy. Each therapy showed similar short-term (4-week) and long-term (1-year) therapeutic effects. Yet the single or combination of IVIG had a slightly better effectiveness but higher cost than the monotherapy of IVMP.

CONCLUSION

The combination of IVMP and IVIG was used more frequently than either alone, which may be associated with neurologist's personal experience and patient's wishes. Though with similar therapeutic effectiveness, the use of IVMP alone might be a better choice with a better cost-efficiency.

Cost-minimisation analysis of plasma exchange versus IVIg in the treatment of autoimmune neurological conditions

Background

Plasma exchange (PLEX) is an effective treatment for antibody-mediated neurological disorders and has been shown to be equally efficacious to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) with comparable adverse event profiles. IVIg has traditionally been the preferred treatment option due to its ease of use. However, advancing technology has allowed PLEX to be performed with a centrifugal system via peripheral access as opposed to central access via a membrane filter.

Methods

We prospectively collected data from a cohort of patients who underwent PLEX at the Wessex Neurological Centre, UK, to perform a cost-minimisation analysis comparing PLEX to IVIg, the standard of care, between May 2019 and May 2020. Data obtained included indication, admission type (inpatient, daycase or intensive care), access (peripheral or central), number of PLEX cycles, exchange volume, patient weight, complications and clinical outcomes. The cost of PLEX delivered in an outpatient setting for an average 80kg person was calculated and compared to the equivalent cost of delivering IVIg by means of a cost-minimization model.

Results

The provision of PLEX was roughly half as costly when compared to what it would have been for IVIg (£886 per exchange vs £1778 per infusion or £4432 per cycle of 5 exchanges vs £8890 per cycle of 5 infusions). Our cohort included a total of 44 patients who received a total of 357 PLEX exchanges during the 12-month period (the majority of which were in a daycase setting). We calculated an annual cost saving for PLEX over IVIg of £318,589. The robustness of this result was confirmed by a one-way deterministic sensitivity analysis, showing the cost-effectiveness of PLEX.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that PLEX is more cost-effective than IVIg in this setting. Our study supports the economic case for development of plasma exchange centres in regional neurology units, a case made all the more relevant in the context of constrained supplies of IVIg.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08210-z.

Our Clinical Experience in the Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis Acute Exacerbations with a Novel Nanomembrane-Based Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Technology

According to the American Academy of Neurology 2011 guidelines, there is insufficient evidence to support or refute the use of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) for myasthenia gravis (MG). The goal of this study was to determine whether a novel nanomembrane-based TPE could be useful in the treatment of MG. Thirty-six adult patients, MGFA 4/4B and 5, with acute MG episodes were enrolled into a single-center retrospective before-and-after study to compare a conventional treatment group (n = 24) with a nanomembrane-based TPE group (n = 12). TPE or intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) infusions were used in impending/manifested myasthenic crises, especially in patients at high-risk for prolonged invasive ventilation (IMV) and in those tolerating non-invasive ventilation (NIV). The clinical improvement was assessed using the Myasthenia Muscle Score (0–100), with ≥20 increase for responders. The primary outcome measures included the rates of implemented TPE, IVIG, and corticosteroids immunotherapies, NIV/IMV, early tracheotomy, MMS scores, extubation time, neuro-ICU/hospital LOS, complications, and mortality rates. The univariate analysis found that IMV was lower in the nanomembrane-based group (42%) compared to the conventional treatment group (83%) (p = 0.02). The multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression revealed TPE and NIV as independent predictors for short-term (≤7 days) respiratory support (p = 0.014 for TPE; p = 0.002 for NIV). The novel TPE technology moved our clinical practice towards proactive rather than protective treatment in reducing prolonged IMV during MG acute exacerbations.

[Periodic plasmapheresis as maintenance treatment in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, a new therapeutic line? A case report]

INTRODUCTION

Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) treatment has significantly changed in recent years because of the discovery of new molecules that have shown efficacy as maintenance treatment. However, the classical treatment for acute attacks is based on corticosteroids administration, being the periodical plasmapheresis the alternative treatment in the case of refractory patients. We introduce a case of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis treated with a classical acute attacks therapy: plasmapheresis.

CASE REPORT

The case of a 39-year-old patient who was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, postpartum debut and aggresive course, who, after suboptimal response to disease modifying therapies (alemtuzumab and ocrelizumab), receives combination treatment with outpatient periodic plasmapheresis every 3 weeks as maintenance therapy. Good tolerance and response. Clinical stability with this treatment. She has not required new hospital admissions for acute attacks of multiple sclerosis from February 2020 to March 2021.

CONCLUSION

Although more specific studies are needed, this case provides information on a potential new maintenance treatment for patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis refractory to disease-modifying drug therapies.

Multiple Sclerosis: Therapeutic Strategies on the Horizon

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease affecting the brain and the spinal cord. It is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. It is the leading cause of non-traumatic disability in young adults. The clinical course of the disease is quite variable, ranging from stable chronic disease to rapidly evolving debilitating disease. The pathogenesis of MS is not fully understood. Still, there has been a rapid shift in understanding the immune pathology of MS away from pure T cell-mediated disease to B cells and microglia/astrocytes having a vital role in the pathogenesis of MS. This has helped in the emergence of new therapies for management. Effective treatment of MS requires a multidisciplinary approach to manage acute attacks, prevent relapses and disease progression and treat the disabling symptoms associated with the disease. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis of MS, management of acute relapses, disease-modifying therapies in MS, new drugs and drugs currently in trial for MS and the symptomatic treatment of MS.  All language search was conducted on Google Scholar, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase till February 2022. The following search strings and medical subheadings (MeSH) were used: "Multiple Sclerosis", "Pathogenesis of MS", and "Disease-modifying therapies in MS". We explored literature on the pathogenic mechanisms behind MS, management of acute relapses, disease-modifying therapies in MS and symptomatic management.

An Atypical Presentation of West Nile Virus With Successful Treatment After Plasma Exchange and Intravenous Immunoglobulin

West Nile (WN) disease is a relatively rare arboviral virus. Neuroinvasive cases of WN account for less than 1% of the total cases. The case described had difficult symptomatology and radical presentation, which included ascending paralysis. To date, there have been very few reports of West Nile cases that present with ascending paralysis. We describe the case of a 63-year-old white male who presented with a fever and proximal muscle weakness in the thighs and legs that rapidly worsened and ascended, eventually resulting in diaphragmatic paralysis. He was intubated after respiratory failure and given intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange. The patient remained ventilated with persistent weakness. However, this improved after intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange therapy. This case serves as a reminder to keep the diagnosis of WN on the differential, a primer on advanced treatments in the setting of aggressive atypical WN, and a lesson on similarly presenting diseases and distinguishing characteristics that may help rule out these diseases from WN.

Therapeutic aspects of Sydenham's Chorea: an update

Sydenham’s Chorea (SC) is a hyperkinetic movement disorder associated with neuropsychiatric manifestations. It is believed to be caused by the autoimmune response following a group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) pharyngitis, and it is one of the major diagnostic criteria for Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) diagnosis. Despite having been known and studied for centuries, there are still no standardized therapies or official guidelines for SC treatment, so that it is necessarily left to physicians’ clinical experience. Antibiotic treatment, symptomatic therapies, and immunomodulatory treatment are the three pillars upon which SC patients’ management is currently based, but they still lack a solid scientific basis. The aim of this writing is precisely to review the state of the art of SC’s treatment, with an overview of the advances made in the last 5 years. However, since the therapeutic uncertainties are a mere reflection of the severe gap of knowledge that concerns SC’s pathogenesis and manifestations, the importance of high-quality research studies based on homogenized methodologies, instruments, and measured outcomes will also be stressed. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Consensus recommendation on the use of therapeutic plasma exchange for adult neurological diseases in Southeast Asia from the Southeast Asia therapeutic plasma exchange consortium

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an effective and affordable treatment option in most parts of Southeast Asia (SEA). In 2018, the SEA TPE Consortium (SEATPEC) was established, consisting of regional neurologists working to improve outcome of various autoimmune neurological diseases. We proposed an immunotherapeutic guideline prioritizing TPE for this region. We reviewed disease burden, evidence-based treatment options, and major guidelines for common autoimmune neurological disorders seen in SEA. A modified treatment algorithm based on consensus agreement by key-opinion leaders was proposed. Autoimmune antibody diagnostic testing through collaboration with accredited laboratories was established. Choice of first-line immunotherapies (IVIg/corticosteroid/TPE) is based on available evidence, clinicians’ experience, contraindications, local availability, and affordability. TPE could be chosen as first-line therapy for GBS, CIDP, MG (acute/short term), IgG, A paraproteinemic neuropathy, and NMDAR encephalitis. Treatment is stopped for acute monophasic conditions such as GBS and ADEM following satisfactory outcome. For chronic immune disorders, a therapy taper or long-term maintenance therapy is recommended depending on the defined clinical state. TPE as second-line treatment is indicated for IVIg or corticosteroids refractory cases of ADEM, NMOSD (acute), MG, and NMDAR/LGI1/CASPR2/Hashimoto’s encephalitis. With better diagnosis, treatment initiation with TPE is a sustainable and effective immunotherapy for autoimmune neurological diseases in SEA.

Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis Relapses

Minimizing the risk of relapse is essential in multiple sclerosis (MS). As none of the treatments currently available are capable of completely preventing relapses, treatment of these episodes remains a cornerstone of MS care. The objective of this manuscript is to reduce uncertainty and improve quality of care of this neurological process. This article addresses definitions of key concepts, recommendations for clinical examination, classification criteria, magnetic resonance imaging, biomarkers, and specific therapeutic counsels including special populations such as pregnant and breastfeeding women, and children. An algorithm for treating MS relapses is also provided.

Increased mortality following Guillain-Barré syndrome: A population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) may be fatal in the acute phase but also affect long-term prognosis due to irreversible sequelae and secondary medical complications. We determined the short-term, intermediate, and long-term mortality of GBS compared to the general population.

METHODS

Individual-level data from nationwide registries were linked in this matched cohort study of all first-time hospital-diagnosed GBS patients in Denmark between 1987 and 2016 and 10 individuals from the general population, matched on age, sex, and index date. We used Cox regression analysis to calculate matched mortality hazard ratios (HRs) following GBS, assessing short-term (0-6 months), intermediate (>6 months-4 years), and long-term (>4 years) mortality.

RESULTS

We identified 2414 patients with GBS and 23,909 matched individuals from the general population. Short-term mortality was 4.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.0-5.8) and 0.8% (95% CI = 0.7-0.9) for GBS patients and general population members, respectively, resulting in an HR of 6.6 (95% CI = 4.0-5.8). Intermediate mortality was 7.6% (95% CI = 6.5-8.9), compared with 5.8% (95% CI = 5.5-6.1) for general population members, corresponding to an HR of 1.5 (95% CI = 1.3-1.8). After the first 4 years, long-term mortality showed similar results for GBS patients and general population members (HR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.9-1.2).

CONCLUSIONS

During the first 6 months after GBS hospital admission, GBS was associated with a 6.6-fold increased mortality as compared with the background population of the same age. Mortality remained increased for approximately 4 years following GBS, and then leveled off to a similar long-term mortality rate.

Effect of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange on Plasma Constituents in Neurointensive Care Unit Patients: A Retrospective Study

Purpose Plasma exchange is one of the recommended therapeutic procedures for autoimmune neurological conditions and involves removal of plasma over multiple sessions for exclusion of autoantibodies responsible for the disease process. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the concentration of plasma constituents with five cycles of alternate day therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), identify contributing factors for hypoproteinemia, and examine its impact on clinical outcomes.

Methods This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study involving patients with autoimmune neurological diseases who underwent at least five cycles of TPE in the neurointensive care unit (NICU). Data regarding plasma protein concentrations, serum electrolytes, fluid input/output before and after every TPE cycle and clinical outcomes in terms of duration of ventilation, and NICU and hospital stay were collected from the medical records over a 1-year period.

Results The levels of plasma proteins (total protein, albumin and globulin) (p < 0.001), sodium (p < 0.001), calcium (p < 0.001), and hemoglobin (p = 0.002) declined significantly after TPE. Difference in plasma protein levels before and after TPE did not correlate with durations of mechanical ventilation and hospital and NICU stay. Difference in total protein and globulin correlated negatively with fluid balance and positively with daily protein intake (p < 0.05 for both).

Conclusion A significant decrease in plasma proteins and other plasma constituents is seen with TPE. Changes in plasma proteins are related to hemodilution and protein intake. Decrease in plasma proteins did not affect duration of hospital or NICU stay and duration of mechanical ventilation.

Cost-Effectiveness of Repository Corticotropin Injection for the Treatment of Acute Exacerbations in Multiple Sclerosis

Background

Relapses are common among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) despite treatment with disease-modifying therapies. Repository corticotropin injection (RCI, Acthar^® Gel), plasmapheresis (PMP), and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) are alternative therapies for MS relapse. There is a dearth of economic assessments of these therapies for the acute exacerbations of MS. This study estimated the cost-effectiveness of RCI compared to PMP or IVIg.

Methods

A Markov state-transition model compared outcomes (costs, relapses, remission, and utilities) with RCI versus PMP or IVIg for the acute exacerbations in MS. The model was developed from the United States (US) payer and societal perspectives over one to three years. Patients initiated on alternative therapies were evaluated in one-day increments for the first 30 days during treatment. The model assumes the natural history of MS after treatment in the first month, adjusting for the effect of treatment. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were estimated as cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. The uncertainty in model parameters was evaluated in probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

Results

In the base case, RCI has an ICER of USD 42,078 per QALY compared to PMP over one year from the payer perspective and is dominant over two and three years; RCI is dominant compared to PMP from the societal perspective over all three years. Compared to IVIg, RCI is a dominant strategy from both payer and societal perspectives over all three years. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis supports the base case findings, suggesting that RCI may be cost-effective versus PMP and IVIg for acute exacerbations in MS.

Conclusion

RCI is a cost-effective alternative treatment for MS relapses compared to PMP and IVIg from the US payer and societal perspectives.

The Role of Plasma Exchange in the Treatment of Refractory Autoimmune Neurological Diseases: a Narrative Review

Autoimmune neurological disorders are commonly treated with immunosuppressive therapy. In patients with refractory conditions, standard immunosuppression is often insufficient for complete recovery or to prevent relapses. These patients rely on other treatments to manage their disease. While treatment of refractory cases differs between diseases, intravenous immunoglobulin, plasma exchange (PLEX), and immune-modulating treatments are commonly used. In this review, we focus on five autoimmune neurological disorders that were the themes of the 2018 Midlands Neurological Society meeting on PLEX in refractory neurology: Autoimmune Encephalitis (AE), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum disorders (NMOSD), Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) and Myasthenia Gravis (MG). The diagnosis of inflammatory neuropathies is often challenging, and while PLEX can be very effective in refractory autoimmune diseases, its ineffectiveness can be confounded by misdiagnosis. One example is POEMS syndrome (characterized by Polyneuropathy Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, Myeloma protein, Skin changes), which is often wrongly diagnosed as CIDP; and while CIDP responds well to PLEX, POEMS does not. Accurate diagnosis is therefore essential. Success rates can also differ within 'one' disease: e.g. response rates to PLEX are considerably higher in refractory relapsing remitting MS compared to primary or secondary progressive MS. When sufficient efforts are made to correctly pinpoint the diagnosis along with the type and subtype of refractory autoimmune disease, PLEX and other immunotherapies can play a valuable role in the patient management.

Therapeutic plasma exchange for life-threatening pediatric disorders

INTRODUCTION

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is acknowledged to be an effective treatment in life-threatening pediatric disorders. Apheresis for pediatric diseases has been poorly investigated, and most studies to date featured small numbers of patients and lacked control groups. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the tolerance of TPE in pediatric patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study via a web-based electronic case report form including pediatric patients referred for TPE between January 2005 and December 2014.

RESULTS

A total of 78 patients (median [range] age: 9.8 [0.53-17.93]) and 731 TPE procedures were analyzed. The indications were antibody-mediated rejection (n = 33; 42%) and desensitization therapy (n = 5; 6%) after solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, thrombotic microangiopathy (n = 17; 22%), pediatric inflammatory diseases (n = 16; 21%), kidney diseases (n = 6; 8%), and hyperviscosity syndrome (n = 1; 1%). On average, each patient underwent six procedures during the first session [range: 1-19]. In the 2 weeks following the start of a session, 72 patients (92%) presented a total of 311 adverse events (AEs) potentially related to TPE. The risk of AEs was not related to the indication for TPE, the intensity of care, venous access, plasma substitute use, or body weight. None of the deaths was related to the TPE.

CONCLUSION

We studied one of the largest retrospective pediatric cohorts described to date. Our experience of TPE children's TPE feasibility concerned specific, life-threatening conditions and otherwise treatment-refractory diseases.

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Myasthenia Gravis: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Evidence

Background: Patients with Myasthenia Gravis (MG) can be treated acutely with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) or intravenous immune globulin (IVIG). To date, there is no definitive understanding of which of the two treatments is more effective and safer. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature on the comparative efficacy and safety of TPE to other available treatments for MG. Methods: A systematic literature search for studies published between 1997 and 2017 was performed per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using two database sources, MEDLINE (through the PubMed database) and Cochrane Library. Results: The search strategy resulted in 535 articles whose abstracts were reviewed. Among these, 165 full texts articles were reviewed for eligibility and 101 articles were excluded. Of the 165 articles, 64 articles were included for a systematic literature and 11 articles for a meta-analysis. Conclusions: This systematic literature review and meta-analysis of treatment options showed that there was a higher response rate with TPE than IVIG in acute MG patients and patients undergoing thymectomy. There was no difference in mortality between the two treatment options. Our findings highlight the need for additional randomized clinical trials in these patients with MG.

Management of Myeloma Manifestations and Complications: The Cornerstone of Supportive Care: Recommendation of the Canadian Myeloma Research Group (formerly Myeloma Canada Research Network) Consensus Guideline Consortium

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological cancer associated with significant symptomatic burden. Bone disease, renal insufficiency, cytopenias, infection, and peripheral neuropathy, among other disease manifestations and complications, impair patients' quality of life. The Canadian Myeloma Research Group Consensus Guideline Consortium, formerly Myeloma Canada Research Network Consensus Guideline Consortium, proposes national consensus recommendations for the management of MM-related manifestations and complications. To address the needs of Canadian physicians and people living with MM across the country, this document focuses on the improvement and maintenance of patient care by clarifying best-practice approaches for the prevention, detection and management of disease manifestations and complications. The Canadian Myeloma Research Group Consensus Guideline Consortium will periodically review the recommendations herein and update as necessary.

Therapeutic plasma exchange in neurological diseases: Eleven years experience at a tertiary care center in Turkey

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an apheresis procedure in which plasma is separated from the blood cellular components ex vivo, allocated, and replaced with another plasma or a plasma-replacing fluid. This study aimed to define the rate of complications and determine TPE distribution in various neurological diseases. Our study is a retrospective analysis of neurologic diseases requiring TPE between 2008 and 2019 that were selected using the medical records of neurology departments and apheresis units database. We performed 1459 TPE procedures on 207 patients between 2008 and 2019. TPE Procedure is most frequently applied in patients with Myasthenia-Gravis syndrome (34.7%). The complication ratio was 1.6% from a total of 1459 TPE procedures. The most commonly specified adverse event was allergic reactions 11 (5.3%), followed by hypotension 6 (2.9%). TPE was safe and tolerable, with manageable complications in experienced hands.

Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis in childhood: Clinical features, treatment approaches, and long-term neurological outcomes

AIM

Longitudinally extensive transvers myelitis (LETM) is a rare and disabling condition in childhood. The aim of the present study was to share experiences from our center regarding the treatment features and clinical and radiologic course in our LETM patients in light of the literature data.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The study was designed as cross-sectional and included children who followed for LETM at our pediatric neurology clinic between 2010 and 2019. ATM was diagnosed according to the diagnostic criteria report from the Transverse Myelitis Consortium Working Group. LETM was defined as the presence of spinal cord lesions spanning a length of 3 or more consecutive vertebral segments. The patients' medical records were examined in terms of demographic characteristics, presenting symptoms, history of infection prior to and during LETM, prodromal history, neurological examination, laboratory and radiological findings, clinical course, and treatment. The Barthel Index was used to assess the physical independence in activities of daily living of patients with LETM who were followed for at least one year.

RESULTS

A total of 15 (8 girl) patients were included in the study. The patients were between 1 and 17 years of age. Presenting symptoms included inability to walk in 12 patients, incontinence in 9 patients, low back pain in 4 patients, abdominal pain in 2 patients, and inability to use the arms in 2 patients. In Barthel Index assessment of physical independence in activities of daily living, 8 patients were evaluated as completely independent, 3 patients as moderately dependent, and 2 patients as slightly dependent. When the 4 patients with motor area impairment and moderate dependency according to the Barthel Index were examined, it was noted that all of them had been admitted 4 days after the onset of symptoms and that 2 (13.3%) had cervicothoracic involvement and 2 (13.3%) had involvement of the entire cord.

CONCLUSION

Shorter delay from symptom onset to initiation of immunomodulatory therapy as well as effective rehabilitation resulted in favorable outcomes, with the most noticeable improvement in the areas of motor function and incontinence.

Severe Measles Encephalitis and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis in an Immunocompetent Japanese Young Male

Measles encephalitis rarely affects young adults and has no established treatment strategy. This brief report described the rare case of an immunocompetent 30-year-old man with severe measles pneumonia and encephalitis, following the autoimmune disease acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, during a large measles outbreak in 2018 in Japan. With multidisciplinary treatments, including corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, vitamin A, and therapeutic plasma exchange, the patient was successfully treated. This case provides a new strategy for treating measles encephalitis and its complications during measles outbreak.