Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 20, 2025
06:30
Ocular Therapeutic Delivery and Advanced Tissue Retrieval in Adult Rats
Published on: May 23, 2025
576
Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment for steroid-resistant optic neuritis: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized,
Osamu Mimura1, Hitoshi Ishikawa2, Takeshi Kezuka3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan. omimurahomburg@gmail.com.
Japanese Journal of Ophthalmology
|January 20, 2021
Summary
Intravenous freeze-dried sulfonated human normal immunoglobulin (GGS) showed potential for treating steroid-resistant optic neuritis (ON). This immunoglobulin therapy demonstrated significant visual acuity and visual field improvements compared to standard treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroimmunology
- Immunotherapy
Background:
- Steroid-resistant optic neuritis (ON) presents a significant challenge in clinical management.
- Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is explored as an alternative therapeutic strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous freeze-dried sulfonated human normal immunoglobulin (GGS) for acute, steroid-resistant optic neuritis (ON).
Main Methods:
- A multicenter, prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted.
- Patients received either intravenous GGS or intravenous methylprednisolone (steroid pulse therapy).
- Efficacy was assessed by visual acuity (logMAR), Humphrey Field Analyzer (MD values), and critical flicker fusion frequency; safety by adverse events.
Main Results:
- While the primary endpoint (logMAR at week 2) showed no significant difference, post-hoc analyses revealed greater visual improvement in the GGS group (75.0% vs 31.3% improved by ≥0.3 logMAR).
- Statistically significant intergroup differences were observed in visual acuity improvement (P=0.032) and mean deviation values (P=0.030) at week 2.
- No clinically significant adverse events were reported in either group.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous immunoglobulin (GGS) appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with steroid-resistant acute optic neuritis.
- GGS offers a promising therapeutic alternative for prompt management of this condition.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
831
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
831
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
955
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
955
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
295
Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2...
295
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
323
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel...
323