Treatment of Optic Neuritis by Plasma Exchange (Add-On) in Neuromyelitis Optica

Objective: To assess the contribution of plasma exchange (PE) in association (add-on) with pulsed intravenous corticosteroids in acute optic neuritis of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and limited forms of NMO.Methods: Thirty-six patients with optic neuritis were treated from January 1, 1995, through December 31, 2010, with pulsed intravenous corticosteroids and 16 with pulsed intravenous corticosteroids plus PE.The ophthalmologic examination was performed at least 6 months after optic neuritis treatment.Visual acuity and visual field assessed with the Snellen scale and the logarithmic scale of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study were measured using standard automated perimetry and frequency doubling technology perimetry.Retinal peripapillary fiber thickness was measured using optical coherence tomography.