Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Use in Pediatric Neurologic Disorders at a Tertiary Care Center: A 10-Year Review

Abstract

Pediatric neurologic conditions requiring therapeutic plasma exchange are rare in children and literature is sparse. The study aims to determine the outcomes, safety, and feasibility of therapeutic plasma exchange treatment in pediatric neurologic disorders. This retrospective analysis looked at the outcomes and safety of therapeutic plasma exchange in children (n = 50) with neurologic conditions. Patient age ranged <1 to 19 years old with a mean of 10.35 years. Of the 50 children treated with plasmapheresis, 26 patients received inpatient rehabilitation. At discharge, functional status can be summarized as follows: 24 (48%) with mental status impairment, 10 (20%) with vision impairment, 19 (38%) with bladder incontinence, and 37 (74%) with motor impairment. Three-month follow-up: 30% with mental status impairment, 10% with vision impairment, 18% with bladder incontinence, and 52% with motor impairment. Therapeutic plasma exchange is an effective and safe therapy for neurological conditions in the pediatric population.