Combination regimen of methylprednisolone, IV immunoglobulin, and plasmapheresis early in the treatment of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis

J Clin Apher. 2006 Dec;21(4):260-5. doi: 10.1002/jca.20103.

Abstract

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Early recognition of the disease is of paramount importance; however, treatment options are limited because only case reports and small series are available in the literature. We report a case of a 42 year-old previously healthy man, whom we treated successfully with a combination regimen of methylprednisolone, IV immunoglobulin, and plasmapheresis early in the course of the disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acyclovir / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Ceftriaxone / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated / drug therapy
  • Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated / etiology
  • Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Mannitol / therapeutic use
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use*
  • Plasma Exchange*
  • Plasmapheresis*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / complications
  • Time Factors
  • Vancomycin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Mannitol
  • Vancomycin
  • Ceftriaxone
  • Acyclovir
  • Methylprednisolone