Failure of intravenous immunoglobulin to arrest progression of multiple sclerosis: a clinical and MRI based study

Mult Scler. 1997 Dec;3(6):370-6. doi: 10.1177/135245859700300602.

Abstract

Due to the modest benefit, inconvenience and high cost of currently available therapies for MS, it is appropriate to seek alternative treatments. Based on anecdotal evidence suggestive of benefit for i.v.IG in MS, we conducted an open-label, unblinded protocol of i.v.IG in nine MS patients. The patients were given induction doses of i.v.IG followed by monthly boosters for 1 year and had clinical, MRI and CSF analyses performed. Patients included were both progressive and relapsing. There was no clinical benefit nor apparent MRI benefit utilizing this protocol. During treatment the majority of patients continued to progress or have attacks and MRI demonstrated continued accumulation of T2-weighted lesions. CSF was unaffected by treatment.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain / pathology
  • Disease Progression
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / administration & dosage
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / diagnosis
  • Multiple Sclerosis / physiopathology*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / therapy*
  • Treatment Failure
  • Vision, Ocular / physiology

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous