Immunoglobulins in systemic sclerosis management. A large multicenter experience

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Immunology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by ত্বক hardening and organ damage.
• Current treatment options for SSc have limitations, necessitating exploration of alternative therapies.
• Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is an immunomodulatory therapy with potential applications in autoimmune diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of IVIG in treating various organ manifestations of SSc.
• To assess the safety and tolerability of IVIG in SSc patients.
• To identify patient subgroups that may benefit most from IVIG therapy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective multicenter observational study of SSc patients treated with IVIG.
• Data collection included epidemiological parameters, clinical outcomes, and adverse events.
• Key parameters assessed: modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS), muscle strength (MRC), creatine kinase (CK) levels, and gastrointestinal (UCLA GIT 2.0) and pulmonary function tests.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements observed in muscular involvement (MRC, CK levels) and skin scores (mRSS) post-IVIG.
• Positive trends noted in gastrointestinal symptom scores (UCLA GIT 2.0).
• IVIG demonstrated a favorable safety profile with a low incidence of serious adverse events.

Conclusions:

• IVIG may be an effective treatment for myositis, gastrointestinal, and cutaneous manifestations in SSc patients.
• The safety profile of IVIG supports its use in routine SSc care.
• Further research may elucidate optimal IVIG protocols for specific SSc patient subgroups.