Therapeutic plasma exchange for optic neuritis attacks in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.

BACKGROUND: Optic neuritis (ON) causes several sequela. Aggressive treatment with plasma exchange (TPE) is an option. This study describes improvement and safety outcomes with TPE.

METHODS: We recruited adults with ON in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) patients treated with TPE. The primary outcome was an improvement in the visual acuity scale (VOS). We described the data and used multivariate logistic regression to identify factors associated with response.

RESULTS: Eighty-three patients received 558 TPE sessions. Mean age was 40.9 years (±13.7 years); 73.5% were women, 50.1% were first attack, and 10.7% were bilateral. Median VOS: 5 (range [R], 2-7). Median time between onset and TPE was 8 days (R, 1-32). By Keegan's criteria, 82.4% experience improvement and 78.3% improve in at least 1 point in VOS. Age and pre-TPE VOS were related to improvement. Low fibrinogen occurs in 26% sessions.

CONCLUSION: TPE is effective and safety for ON in NMOSD patients. There is a need for a clinical trial using a therapeutic equivalent.