EAN 2021 | Is plasma exchange safe for neurological disorders?

Miquel Lozano, MD, PhD, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, discusses the indications and safety of plasma exchange as a therapeutic approach for patients with neurological disorders. A safety analysis of more than 2700 procedures over an 11-year period was conducted, which demonstrated an adverse event rate of only 3%. Most adverse events were mild (mostly related to citrate anticoagulation) and easily managed. Plasma exchange is indicated in around 25 neurological disorders according to the latest American Society for Apheresis guidelines. Many of these are autoimmune conditions in which combined apheresis and immunomodulation can be an optimal treatment approach. This interview took place during the European Academy of Neurology 2021 congress.