6th Edition of Neurology World Conference 2026

Abstract

ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND
Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a debilitating neurological disease with an incidence of 1.1 - 1.8 per 100,000. Autoantibodies affecting peripheral nerve membranes play an important role in understanding the pathophysiology and treatment of it. Treatment options for its cure continue to unfold and evolve. Different clinical trials increased interest in therapeutic apheresis for treating severe and refractory disease. 
OBJECTIVES
Conflicting results of immunoadsorption compared to plasma exchange in managing Guillain-Barre Syndrome led us to synthesize available evidence from published studies. 
METHODS
Review Manager software was used for this review, and the outcomes were classified into primary (curative effect) and secondary (safety profile and relapse rate). Quality assessment and statistical data analysis were conducted using the said software.
RESULTS
The odds of achieving at least one grade disability and functional improvement were similar for patients treated with immunoadsorption and plasma exchange (OR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.34 - 1.74; p = 0.53). Reduced risk of complications for patients treated with the immunoadsorption group compared to the plasma exchange group (RR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.43 - 1.11; p = 0.13) was noted. Increased risk of relapse for patients who underwent immunoadsorption (RR: 1.70; 95% CI: 0.96 - 3.00; p = 0.07).
CONCLUSION
Immunoadsorption is at least as effective as plasma exchange in treating Guillain-Barre Syndrome based on its curative effect by lowering disability and improving functional score. Immunoadsorption showed reduced complications, but relapse rates were higher compared to plasma exchange.
Keywords: Immunoadsorption, Plasma Exchange, Therapeutic Apheresis; Guillain-Barre Syndrome