Intravenous gamma globulin in progressive MS.
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.
Cook
S D
SD
Department of Neurosciences, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark.
Troiano
R
R
Rohowsky-Kochan
C
C
Jotkowitz
A
A
Bielory
L
L
Mehta
P D
PD
Oleske
J
J
Bansil
S
S
Dowling
P C
PC
D000328:Adult; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D007147:Immunoglobulin Light Chains / Q000652:urine; D007145:Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains / Q000652:urine; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000187:drug effects
D007147:Immunoglobulin Light Chains; D007145:Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D008775:Methylprednisolone