Abstract
The aim of this study was to perform a randomized study to evaluate the role of plasma filtration in the treatment of severe thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). All immunoglobulin classes as well as autoantibodies directed against thyroglobulin, thyroid peroxidase, and TSH receptor exhibited statistically significantly decreases.
Although the clinical activity score (CAS) dropped in all patients, it occurred more rapidly in patients treated with plasma filtration. The CAS difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.027).
The amplitude of visual evoked potentials improved after 3 months in the plasma filtration group. At the end of the study, there was no difference between patients treated with aphereses and the control group.
We conclude that apheresis can decrease disease activity more rapidly than standard high-dose IV glucocorticoid therapy. Whether this superior treatment effect could potentially avoid surgical procedures remains to be determined.10.1002/jca.20244