Role of Plasma Exchange in a Steroid- and IVIG-Refractory Patient with Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis: A Case Report.

Abstract

Background: Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a demyelinating disease usually affecting children and is treated with high-dose steroid therapy.

Case report: An 8-year boy presented with limbs weakness and complete loss of vision and was resistant to steroid therapy. He was further treated with plasma exchange and showed full recovery from the neurological deficit.

Conclusion: Therapeutic plasma exchange appears to be effective in ADEM patients in reversing the neuropathological process especially refractory to steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin.