Intravenous immunoglobulins in the treatment of immune neuropathies

Curr Opin Neurol. 2008 Oct;21(5):555-62. doi: 10.1097/WCO.0b013e32830efc03.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The aim of this review is to describe the value of high-dose polyclonal intravenous immunoglobulins as a treatment option in autoimmune disorders affecting the peripheral nervous system.

Recent findings: A randomized placebo-controlled trial in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy revealed short-term and long-term efficacy and safety of intravenous immunoglobulins as a treatment option for the chronically inflamed peripheral nervous system. Case reports suggest that the subcutaneous administration of immunoglobulins may represent a convenient alternative.

Summary: Intravenous immunoglobulin represents an effective and safe treatment option in patients with autoimmune-mediated diseases affecting the peripheral nerves.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / immunology
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use*
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / therapy
  • Paraproteinemias / immunology
  • Paraproteinemias / pathology
  • Paraproteinemias / therapy
  • Peripheral Nerves / immunology
  • Peripheral Nerves / pathology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases* / immunology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases* / therapy
  • Placebos
  • Polyradiculoneuropathy, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating / immunology
  • Polyradiculoneuropathy, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating / therapy
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Placebos