Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune condition that causes muscle weakness. It most commonly affects the muscles that control the eyes and eyelids, facial expressions, chewing, swallowing, and speaking. However, MG can impact many other parts of the body. A serious complication of MG is known as a myasthenic crisis, which can be life-threatening. One of the treatment options for MG crisis is plasmapheresis or plasma exchange therapy.
Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is equipped with an expert medical team and advanced medical technology to perform plasma exchange therapy. The hospital has successfully treated MG crisis patients with positive and promising outcomes.
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Plasma Exchange Therapy as a Solution for Myasthenia Gravis Crisis
Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri has a dedicated plasmapheresis team, including a neurologist specializing in autoimmune neurological disorders such as MG—Dr. Luh Ari Indrawati, Sp.N, Subsp. E.N.K.(K).
“Therapeutic plasma exchange, or plasmapheresis, is a treatment method used to remove pathogenic substances from the plasma that cause disease manifestations,” she explains.
According to Dr. Luh Ari, one of the applications of plasmapheresis is in managing myasthenic crises in MG patients.
“In MG crisis cases, plasma exchange therapy is a recommended treatment,” she adds.
Plasma is the liquid component of blood that contains antibodies—proteins that play a key role in the immune system. However, in MG, these antibodies mistakenly attack healthy cells, causing various symptoms.
During the plasmapheresis procedure, plasma is separated from other blood components using a specialized machine. The plasma containing abnormal antibodies is then removed and replaced with a substitute fluid. The goal of this therapy is to eliminate the abnormal antibodies, thereby relieving severe MG symptoms and improving the patient’s condition.
Although plasma exchange can alleviate symptoms during a myasthenic crisis, it’s important to note that it does not replace prescribed medications. Patients still need to continue taking medications such as immunosuppressants even after undergoing plasmapheresis.
“The goal of plasmapheresis is to relieve the acute crisis first. However, maintenance medications like immunosuppressants must still be administered,” emphasizes Dr. Luh Ari.
Successful Plasmapheresis Team at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri in Treating MG Crisis
In addition to Dr. Luh Ari, the plasmapheresis team at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri includes other competent specialists such as Dr. Toman T.J Lumban Toruan, Sp.PD-KHOM and Dr. Alvin Tagor Harahap, Sp.PD-KHOM.
The hospital is equipped with modern medical technology and comprehensive laboratory facilities, including Anti-MuSK antibody testing and genetic testing via whole genome sequencing and whole exome sequencing. This ensures accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment outcomes.
The plasmapheresis team at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri has successfully treated a patient in MG crisis with respiratory failure. The patient was first brought to the Emergency Department (ED). The outcome of the plasma exchange therapy was highly positive and promising.
“Based on initial evaluation, the patient had a symptom severity score of 37 out of a maximum of 50 using the Myasthenia Gravis Symptom Clusters (MGSC) assessment. After undergoing plasma exchange therapy at Mandaya, the score dropped to 0, and the patient has now fully recovered,” explained Dr. Luh Ari.
Plasmapheresis Doctor Schedules at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Here are the consultation schedules for the plasmapheresis doctors at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri:
1. dr. Luh Ari Indrawati, Sp.N, Subsp. E.N.K.(K)
dr. Luh Ari is a neurologist who specializes in treating autoimmune neurological conditions such as MG. She is also an expert in rare neurological diseases like Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).
dr. Luh Ari Indrawati, Sp.N, Subsp. E.N.K.(K) consultation hours at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri:
- Thursday: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
2. dr. Toman T.J Lumban Toruan, Sp.PD-KHOM
dr. Toman is an internal medicine specialist and consultant in hematology-medical oncology. He studied at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, and completed further training at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital and an honorary fellowship at the National University Hospital, Department of Hematology.
dr. Toman specializes in cancer treatment including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and CAR T-Cell Therapy.
dr. Toman T.J Lumban Toruan, Sp.PD-KHOM consultation hours at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri:
- Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
3. dr. Alvin Tagor Harahap, Sp.PD-KHOM
dr. Alvin is also an internal medicine specialist and consultant in hematology-medical oncology, educated at the University of Indonesia. He is experienced in cancer management, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and CAR T-Cell Therapy.
dr. Alvin Tagor Harahap, Sp.PD-KHOM consultation hours at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri:
- Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
If you wish to consult Dr. Luh Ari, Dr. Toman, or Dr. Alvin about plasmapheresis, don’t hesitate to visit Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri.
To make your visit easier, use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment, or download the Care Dokter app from Google Play or the App Store to check queue numbers and access complete information.
