Ophthalmology Journal Plasma Exchange in Optic Neuritis Hospitalizations
Nov 21, 2024
Dr. John J. Chen, neuro-ophthalmologist and Mayo Clinic researcher, discusses rising use of plasma exchange for optic neuritis. He explains what PLEX is and when it is used. They explore inpatient vs outpatient trends, regional practice variation, timing of treatment, and a forthcoming randomized trial funded to test early PLEX for severe cases.
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Trainee-Led Multi-Institution Study
- The project was spearheaded by medical student Sienen Akosman with mentorship from Mehdi Tavakoli and John Chen.
- Chen highlights the multi-institutional trainee team that drove the research using the National Inpatient Sample.
What Plasma Exchange Does
- Plasma exchange (PLEX) removes pathologic antibodies and cytokines by filtering patient blood and returning fresh plasma.
- John Chen explains PLEX is used for autoimmune conditions including severe optic neuritis and transverse myelitis.
Refer Patients To Centers With PLEX
- Refer patients requiring PLEX to transfusion medicine or large centers because ophthalmology clinics don't run PLEX machines.
- Ensure affiliation with a hospital or academic center to access PLEX when needed.