title: Intravenous immunoglobulin infusion in multifocal demyelinating motor neuropathy: a case report.
abstract: The following report is a case of multifocal demyelinating motor neuropathy (MMN) presenting as a gradual development of asymmetric motor weakness without sensory involvement. Electrophysiological studies showed mainly a conduction block with normal or slightly slow nerve conduction velocity. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein and serum protein electrophoresis were normal, but serum IgM anti-GM1 ganglioside antibody was elevated. The patient had a poor response to steroid, plasmapheresis and chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, but significant improvement was noted after intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusion. MMN is a potentially treatable condition which clinically mimics a motor neuron disease; if treatment with steroid, plasmapheresis and cyclophosphamide have failed, IVIG may be effective.
authors.affiliation: Neurological Institute, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
authors.forename: Y Y
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: C P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Tsai
authors.forename: Y C
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Ting
authors.forename: K P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: K K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Liao
authors.forename: K P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Kao
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D003711:Demyelinating Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D005677:G(M1) Ganglioside / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016472:Motor Neuron Disease / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D005677:G(M1) Ganglioside