Use of Plasma Exchange for Treatment of MS and Related disorders

Start Term
End Term
Funding Amount
$49,646
Geographic Region(s) / Province(s)
Ontario
Research Priorities
Life-modifying therapies
Impact Goal(s)
Enhance Well-being

Affiliation(s): Unity Health Toronto


Researcher(s):  Dr. Manav V. Vyas

Summary: 

  • Plasma exchange is an approved second-line treatment for managing severe relapses in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and related disorders. With the availability of high efficacy disease modifying therapies and changes to the MS diagnostic criteria, the use of plasma exchange may have changed over time.
  • Dr. Manav Vyas and team will analyze 20 years of population health data from Ontario, Canada to understand trends in plasma exchange use for MS and related disorders. The study will also assess if its use is linked to a person’s social identities, such as age, sex, immigration status, and income level.
  • Plasma exchange requires specialized centres and human resources with specific skills and expertise. A better understanding of how it is used will help inform healthcare planning in Canada.




Project Description: 

Plasma exchange is an approved second-line treatment for people with MS and related disorders who experience severe relapses. With the availability of high efficacy disease modifying therapies and changes to the MS diagnostic criteria, Dr. Manav Vyas and team are seeking to understand if the use of plasma exchange among people with MS has changed over time. The research team will analyze population health data from Ontario, Canada over the past 20 years to determine temporal trends in plasma exchange use. They will also evaluate whether social determinants of health, such as age, sex, immigration status, and income level, are associated with the use plasma exchange among people with MS.

 

Potential Impact:

Plasma exchange requires specialized centres and human resources with specific skills and expertise. The findings of this research have the potential to inform healthcare planning in Canada to ensure availability of resources and equitable care for all people with MS.

Project Status: In Progress