Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026
Chronic Post-Ischemia Pain Model for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type-I in Rats
Published on: January 21, 2020
Low-Dose Intravenous Immunoglobulin Treatment for Long-Standing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Trial
Andreas Goebel1, Jatinder Bisla1, Roy Carganillo1
1From University of Liverpool and The Walton Centre National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Liverpool; Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, and University College London, London; Modepharma Limited, Beckenham; Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow; University West of England, Bristol; Swansea University, Swansea; Norfolk and Norwich University NHS Trust, Norwich; Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge; and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, United Kingdom.
Low-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) did not effectively relieve pain in adults with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) over a 6-week period. This study found no significant difference in pain reduction between IVIg and placebo treatments for CRPS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Management
- Immunology
Background:
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a rare posttraumatic pain condition.
- Previous small trials suggested potential benefits of low-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) for CRPS symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm the efficacy of low-dose IVIg compared to placebo in reducing pain.
- To evaluate pain reduction over a 6-week period in adult patients with CRPS lasting 1 to 5 years.
Main Methods:
- A 1:1 parallel, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial was conducted over 6 weeks.
- 111 patients with moderate to severe CRPS (1-5 years duration) received either IVIg (0.5 g/kg) or placebo on days 1 and 22.
- The primary outcome was daily average pain intensity measured on an 11-point scale.
Main Results:
- The primary analysis included 108 patients; mean pain scores were 6.9 (placebo) and 7.2 (IVIg).
- No statistically significant difference in pain reduction was observed between the IVIg and placebo groups (adjusted difference: 0.27; P = 0.30).
- Secondary outcomes, including pain interference and quality of life, also showed no significant differences.
Conclusions:
- Low-dose IVIg treatment for 6 weeks was not effective for pain relief in patients with moderate to severe CRPS of 1 to 5 years duration.
- Results are not generalizable to CRPS of shorter or longer duration or to full-dose IVIg treatment.
- The study was underpowered to detect subgroup effects.
