Outcome of therapeutic plasma exchange in Myasthenia gravis patients

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the indications, adverse reactions, and outcome of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective Observational study. METHODS AND MATERIAL: A total of 18 patients of MG had undergone 18 cycles and 87 session of TPE at our Institution, a tertiary care center in Western India. It was performed using a single volume plasma exchange with intermittent cell separator (Freseniouscomtec), subclavian central line access, and with alternate day interval. Outcome was assessed shortly after each session and overall outcome at the time of discharge. RESULTS: Total of 68 patients of MG were admitted to Neurology Intensive care unit (ICU) during the study period [January 2016–December 2019]. Out of them, TPE was done in 18 patients. Among the 18 patients, 11 patients had myasthenic crisis and 7 patients had worsening of MG. The mean number of TPE session was 4.2(SD ± 1.2), volume exchange was 2215 ml (SD ± 435); overall incidence of adverse reaction was 33.3%. All patients had immediate benefits of each TPE cycle. Good acceptance of procedure was observed in 72.2% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: TPE is cost-effective rapid therapy for myasthenic crisis and progressive myasthenia gravis. It reduces ICU stays and improves outcome.