Plasmapheresis in the treatment of ataxic sensory neuropathy associated with Sjogren's syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is an important but poorly recognized cause of peri pheral neuropathy. Several forms of peripheral nerve dysfunction occur, inc luding trigeminal sensory neuropathy, mononeuropathy multiplex, distal sens orimotor polyneuropathy and pure sensory neuronopathy. The pathological fin dings vary and the definite treatment is not known. Here we present 4 cases of acute ataxic sensory polyneuropathy with SS, and the experience of trea tment with plasmapheresis (PP). The 4 patients were all females; ages range d from 30 to 58 years. All had prominent loss of kinesthetic and propriocep tive sensation. The course ranged from acute to subacute onset. Patients we re treated with 5-9 sessions of PP. Two patients with initiation of treatme nt within 2 weeks of onset showed dramatic and sustained responses after PP , while the other 2 had no detectable effects. Our experience showed that P P should be considered in patients who present with sensory neuropathy asso ciated with SS, and the treatment should be given as early as possible. Cop yright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.