|
Plasma exchange for treatment of steroid-refractory transverse myelitis |
|
|
|
Record Status This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database. Citation Plasma exchange for treatment of steroid-refractory transverse myelitis. Lansdale: HAYES, Inc.. Healthcare Technology Brief Publication. 2014 Authors' objectives A central nervous system demyelinating disease (CNS-DD) is a condition in which damage occurs to the myelin sheath surrounding the nerve fibers in the brain and spine. The most common CNSDD is multiple sclerosis (MS). In this disorder, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath or the cells that produce and maintain it. This causes inflammation around the sheath and the nerve fibers it surrounds, possibly resulting in scarring (sclerosis). Transverse myelitis may be an acute manifestation of an underlying CNS-DD such as MS, or it may present as an idiopathic disorder. The symptoms of these diseases include autonomic, visual, motor, or sensory changes: headache, vision or hearing loss, seizures, muscle weakness, loss of coordination, paralysis, and loss of sensation, and the consequences of the neurologic deficits can be devastating. There is no definitive treatment for transverse myelitis but early treatment can help to minimize the effects of attacks, modify the course of the disease, and manage symptoms. Currently, the standard therapy for CNS-DD is high-dose intravenous corticosteroids; however, this is not always effective. Indexing Status Subject indexing assigned by CRD MeSH Myelitis, Transverse; Plasma Exchanges; Recurrence Language Published English Country of organisation United States English summary An English language summary is available. Address for correspondence HAYES, Inc., 157 S. Broad Street, Suite 200, Lansdale, PA 19446, USA. Tel: 215 855 0615; Fax: 215 855 5218 Email: hayesinfo@hayesinc.com AccessionNumber 32014000980 Date abstract record published 11/08/2014 |
|
|
|