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In 11 of 18 patients with human T-lymphotropic virus type-I(HTLV-I) associated myelopathy(HAM)gait,sensory,and/or sphincter disturbance improved with plasmapheresis(4 to 6 sessions in 2 weeks),and the effects were maintained for 2 to 4 weeks.Plasmapheresis lowered the titre of HTLV- I antibody in serum but not in cerebrospinal fluid,and change of HTLV-I antibody titres did not correlate with the effects of plasmapheresis.These results suggest that plasmapheresis is useful treatment at least in producing a temporary improvement,in patients with HAM,and that some humoral factor(s),but not HTLV-I antibody,may be important in the pathogenesis of HAM. |
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