Successful immunoadsorption with membrane plasmapheresis for multiple sclerosis.

Sixteen patients (mean age, 36.4 years) with multiple sclerosis were treated with immunoadsorption membrane plasmapheresis (IAP). Using an immunoadsorption column containing polyvinyl alcohol gel, IAP was performed two times a week for 2 weeks, followed by once a week for 2 months, and then every 2 weeks. The volume of perfused plasma was 3 liters for each IAP. Activity of natural killer (NK) cells and helper T cells was significantly (p less than 0.01) increased after IAP therapy. In addition, muscle power improved in all patients. Walking ability improved in four patients, standing ability in six, and sitting ability improved in seven. Most patients showed improvements in ability to lie still, sensory disturbance, visual disturbance, and urinary complications. No adverse effects were associated with IAP treatment. These findings indicate that IAP therapy is effective for multiple sclerosis.