J Korean Neurol Assoc.  1991 Dec;9(4):445-450.

Beneficial Effects of Plasma Exchange in Severe Guillain-Barre Syndrome

• Kim J
• Lee AY
• Kim JM
• Chung CS

Abstract

We evaluated clinical effects and side effects of plasma exchange(PE) in patients with severe Guillain-Barre syndrome(GBS). Two plasma volumes were exchanged 3 times on an alternate-day base(total 6 plasma volumes) in eight patients with severe GBS. Exchange fluid used was fresh frozen plasma(FFP) or human albumin. Intervals taken for patients to walk with support were significantly shorter than eight control patients. GBS of the similar grades(p<0.05). Effects were not related to age, sex, or initial CSF protein levels. After PE, thrombocytopenia followed in all patients, most remarkably after the first PE. Degree of platelet reduction correlated significantly with the time taken for each PE and the plasma flow rate during PE. But they resolved spontaneously in all cases within 2 to 11 days after the last PE. Other side effects included urticaria, paresthesia dyspnea, hemorrhagic spots on the skin, and chilly sense, all of which were transient. These results suggest that PE could promote early improvement in severe GBS with relative safety, if performed early in the course of the illness.

MeSH Terms

Blood Platelets
Dyspnea
Guillain-Barre Syndrome*
Humans
Paresthesia
Plasma Exchange*
Plasma Volume
Plasma*
Skin
Thrombocytopenia
Urticaria