Plasma exchange for dermatomyositis and polymyositis. Retrospective study of 41 courses of plasma exchange

Abstract

The records of 41 courses of plasma exchange (PE) performed in the treatment of 37 patients with dermatomyositis (21) or polymyositis (16) were retrospectively reviewed. In nearly all cases, PE was added to a previously ineffective therapeutic regimen of corticosteroids plus cytotoxic drugs. An improvement in muscle strength was obtained during the PE course in 26 cases (63.4%), especially in diseases with an acute course. Despite their uncontrolled nature, these results confirm the previous publications of P. Dau, suggesting that PE may be of therapeutic value in dermatomyositis and polymyositis.