Intravenous immunoglobulins for epilepsy.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology

Background:

• Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder with potential immunological abnormalities.
• Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is being explored as a treatment for epilepsy.
• This review is an update of previous Cochrane reviews on IVIg for epilepsy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of IVIg as monotherapy or add-on treatment for epilepsy.
• To assess effects on seizure frequency, duration, quality of life, and adverse events.

Main Methods:

• Searched multiple databases including Cochrane Register of Studies, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and clinical trial registries up to December 2018.
• Included randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials of IVIg for epilepsy.
• Two reviewers independently assessed trials, extracted data, and contacted authors for additional information.

Main Results:

• One study with 61 participants met the inclusion criteria, evaluating IVIg as add-on therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy.
• No significant difference in seizure frequency reduction was found between IVIg and placebo (low-certainty evidence).
• A statistically significant global assessment favoring IVIg was noted, with no reported adverse effects (low-certainty evidence).

Conclusions:

• Reliable conclusions on IVIg efficacy for epilepsy cannot be drawn due to limited and low-certainty evidence.
• Further randomized controlled trials are necessary to establish the role of IVIg in epilepsy management.