Plasma exchange (PE) in Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) probably removes
pathogenic antibodies. Results of a recent clinical study by the Fren
ch Cooperative Group suggest that at least two sessions of PE are requ
ired. As an alternative procedure, we examined the effect of the numbe
r of PEs on the reduction of immunoglobulins in 11 patients. A signifi
cant immunoglobulin decrease was obtained in the first two sessions bu
t not in subsequent ones. Eased on the French trial results and our fi
ndings, we conclude that at least two PEs are needed for treating GBS.