The use of plasmapheresis and immunoadsorption for treatment of neuroimmunological diseases

Antibodies have been shown to have a causal pathogenic role in various neuroimmunological diseases, especially those with neuromuscular involvement. Procedures for extracorporeal elimination of antibodies are an important therapeutic option. In this article, the scientific rational for therapeutic plasma exchange and for selective and semiselective immunoadsorption therapy in neuroimmunological diseases are reviewed with special emphasis on the results of randomized trials, when available.