[Treatment of multifocal motor neuropathies]

Multifocal motor neuropathy is characterized by a progressive asymetrical weakness, predominantly affecting the upper limbs with persistent conduction blocks on motor but not sensory nerves. Treatment woth prednisone and plasma exchanges have failed to demonstrate any positive effects. Some improvements have been reported with cyclophosphamide. Mainly immunoglobulin therapy has been evaluated with a beneficial response in almost 70% of the cases. These benefits obtained over periods of less than six months have recently been confirmed by a long-term evaluation of 18 patients treated by repeated infusions.