Maintenance plasma exchange therapy for steroid-refractory neuromyelitis optica.

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a severe inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system with exacerbations involving the optic nerves, spinal cord, or both. This study explores the utility of maintenance plasma exchange (mTPE) as a therapy in patients with relapsing, corticosteroid-refractory, NMO. This retrospective case series presents data on patients who were diagnosed with NMO using currently accepted criteria.

Advanced life support in obstetrics in Ecuador: teaching the teachers.

The advanced life support in obstetrics (ALSO) course is designed to help maternity care providers prepare for obstetrical emergencies. A team of 12 US physicians and a medical interpreter recently taught the ALSO course in Ecuador, with the goal of addressing Ecuador's high maternal and infant mortality rates. To have a greater impact, a teach-the-teacher model was used so that Ecuadorian physicians can now hold their own ALSO courses.