Plasmapheresis in Guillain-Barre syndrome

The use of plasmapheresis in Guillain-Barre syndrome is reviewed. The clinical data, based on open-label studies, suggest that PP - if instituted early - prevents further deterioration and accelerates the recovery, e.g. the time until the patient becomes ambulatory. The data do not suggest any effect of PP to patients with axonal damage to those with preceding gastroenteritis or Campylobacter jejuni infections has not been tested. The use of PP should be weighed against the potential complications, especially in units inexperienced with this procedure.