Intravenous gamma globulin in progressive MS |
| |
Authors: | S. D. Cook R. Troiano C. Rohowsky-Kochan A. Jotkowitz L. Bielory P. D. Mehta J. Oleske S. Bansil P. C. Dowling |
| |
Affiliation: | Department of Neurosciences, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark. |
| |
Abstract: | In an attempt to prevent disease exacerbations, intravenous gamma globulin (500 mg to 2 g/kg) plus methylprednisolone was administered monthly to 14 patients with progressive multiple sclerosis, 11 of whom were steroid dependent. Seventeen exacerbations of disease activity were seen in 11 patients over a mean follow-up period of 7.8 months. Four exacerbations occurred in 3 patients within one month of receiving 1.6 to 2.0 g/kg of intravenous gamma globulin (IVGG). Most exacerbations occurred within 2 weeks of steroids being tapered; thus a steroid sparing effect of IVGG could not be demonstrated. We conclude that IVGG plus methylprednisolone can be given safely at monthly intervals for a prolonged period but in the dosage administered did not prevent exacerbations in 80% of patients with progressive multiple sclerosis. |
| |
Keywords: | multiple sclerosis gamma globulin urinary light chains treatment |
|