MINIMAL NUMBER OF PLASMA EXCHANGES NEEDED TO REDUCE IMMUNOGLOBULIN INGUILLAIN-BARRE-SYNDROME

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.