plasmapheresis

[jud202]

is plasmapheresis a treatment for polymyosistis

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
Thank you for posting. How are you? Plasmapheresis or the removal, treatment, and return of  blood plasma from blood circulation. The procedure is used to treat a variety of disorders, including  Guillain-Barré syndrome, lupus, and other autoimmune diseases.  There were immunologic studies done in  patients with polymyositis (PM) with plasmapheresis therapy combined with immunosuppressive medications. This has produced positive results in severe cases of Polymyositis unresponsive to drug therapy alone. Talk to your doctor about this. Take care and best regards.

[KayDesigner]

I, at one time, was suspected of having Polymyositis; however, it was later revealed (via muscle biopsy) that I have adult onset muscular dystrophy.

Treatment options were discussed with me when the pre-dx of Poly was initially made.  If I am correct, the usual treatment form is IVIg.  I am not sure if plasmapheresis is the same as IVIg.  I did find a link on it that may help you ~~ I don't think they are the same, however.  Here is the link:

http://www.aboutgbs.com/IVIG_and_Plasmapheresis.htm

Also in looking at the Mayo Clinic website, I see that one of the main forms of treatment is IVIg.  I do know (also from experience) that this is extremely expensive and unless you have a definite confirmed diagnosis through all possible forms of testing, most insurance will not cover it.

I think another form of treatment is steroids.  Also, yet again (from experience) if your myositis affects you mentally as in depression or your stomach muscles, steroid use is usually ruled out as steroids are known to be a factor in depression and severe stomach issues.

Hope this helps you...God bless, Kay