Intravenous polyclonal human immunoglobulins in multiple sclerosis.
1Danish MS Research Center, Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark. pss@rh.dk
Neuro-Degenerative Diseases
|December 14, 2007
Summary
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) may help reduce relapses in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). However, IVIG is not effective for chronic MS symptoms or in progressive MS, requiring further research for first-line treatment consideration.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is used for peripheral nervous system demyelinating diseases.
- IVIG has demonstrated potential therapeutic effects in multiple sclerosis (MS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of IVIG in various forms of multiple sclerosis.
- To determine IVIG's role as a potential treatment for MS relapses and progression.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of four double-blind IVIG trials in relapsing-remitting MS.
- Review of studies on IVIG in first-episode demyelination, acute MS relapse, chronic MS symptoms, and secondary progressive MS.
- Analysis of experimental studies in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis rat model.
Main Results:
- IVIG reduced relapse rates and possibly disease progression in relapsing-remitting MS.
- IVIG delayed the time to the second relapse in patients with a first demyelinating episode.
- IVIG showed no significant benefit for chronic MS symptoms, acute relapse remission, or secondary progressive MS progression.
Conclusions:
- IVIG is a potential second-line treatment for relapsing-remitting MS, but optimal dosage requires determination.
- Further large-scale, placebo-controlled trials comparing IVIG with current therapies are needed to establish its role as a first-line MS treatment.
