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  1. Fulltext Consensus recommendation on the use of therapeutic plasma exchange for adult neurological diseases in Southeast Asia from the Southeast Asia therapeutic plasma exchange consortium
    Hiew FL, Thit WM, Alexander M, Thirugnanam U, Siritho S, Tan K, et al.
    J Cent Nerv Syst Dis, 2021;13:11795735211057314.
    PMID: 35173510 DOI: 10.1177/11795735211057314
    Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an effective and affordable treatment option in most parts of Southeast Asia (SEA). In 2018, the SEA TPE Consortium (SEATPEC) was established, consisting of regional neurologists working to improve outcome of various autoimmune neurological diseases. We proposed an immunotherapeutic guideline prioritizing TPE for this region. We reviewed disease burden, evidence-based treatment options, and major guidelines for common autoimmune neurological disorders seen in SEA. A modified treatment algorithm based on consensus agreement by key-opinion leaders was proposed. Autoimmune antibody diagnostic testing through collaboration with accredited laboratories was established. Choice of first-line immunotherapies (IVIg/corticosteroid/TPE) is based on available evidence, clinicians' experience, contraindications, local availability, and affordability. TPE could be chosen as first-line therapy for GBS, CIDP, MG (acute/short term), IgG, A paraproteinemic neuropathy, and NMDAR encephalitis. Treatment is stopped for acute monophasic conditions such as GBS and ADEM following satisfactory outcome. For chronic immune disorders, a therapy taper or long-term maintenance therapy is recommended depending on the defined clinical state. TPE as second-line treatment is indicated for IVIg or corticosteroids refractory cases of ADEM, NMOSD (acute), MG, and NMDAR/LGI1/CASPR2/Hashimoto's encephalitis. With better diagnosis, treatment initiation with TPE is a sustainable and effective immunotherapy for autoimmune neurological diseases in SEA.
  2. Impact of Covid-19 on the therapeutic plasma exchange service within the South East Asian region: Consensus recommendations and global perspectives
    Viswanathan S, Hiew FL, Siritho S, Apiwattanakul M, Tan K, Quek AML, et al.
    J Clin Apher, 2021 Dec;36(6):849-863.
    PMID: 34694652 DOI: 10.1002/jca.21937
    INTRODUCTION: Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) for neuroimmunological disorders has played an increasingly important role within the Southeast Asian (SEA) region. The South East Asian Therapeutic Plasma exchange Consortium (SEATPEC) was formed in 2018 to promote education and research on TPE within the region. The advent of the Covid-19 pandemic has produced challenges for the development and expansion of this service.

    METHODOLOGY: A qualitative and semi-quantitative questionnaire-based survey was conducted by SEATPEC member countries from January to June 2020 (Phase 1) and then from July 2020 to January 2021 in (Phase 2) to assess the impact of Covid-19 on regional TPE.

    OBJECTIVES: The study's main objectives were to explore the challenges experienced and adaptations/adjustments taken by SEATPEC countries in order to continue safe and efficient TPE during the Covid-19 pandemic.

    RESULTS: The pandemic was found to disrupt the delivery of TPE services in all SEATPEC countries. Contributing factors were multifactorial due to overstretched medical services, staff shortages, quarantines and redeployments, fear of acquiring Covid-19, movement restriction orders, and patient's psychological fear of attending hospitals/testing for Covid-19. All SEATPEC countries practiced careful stratification of cases for TPE (electives vs emergencies, Covid-19 vs non-Covid-19 cases). SEATPEC countries had to modify TPE treatment protocols to include careful preprocedure screening of patient's for Covid-19, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and post-TPE sanitization of machines and TPE suites.

    CONCLUSION: Based on the responses of the survey, SEATPEC countries produced a consensus statement with five recommendations for safe and effective TPE within the region.

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