[High-dose immunoglobulin therapy of rheumatoid arthritis].
Eight patients suffering from severe rheumatoid arthritis were treated with high-dose human immunoglobulin. Doses of 500 mg/kg were administered intravenously in the morning on 4 consecutive days. Improvement of arthritic symptoms was indicated by a significant decrease of the Ritchie index, the number of swollen joints, and the duration of morning stiffness as well as an increase of grip strength. The improvement lasted up to 4 months. In 2 patients the disease activity increased again after 4 weeks. Investigations of laboratory parameters demonstrated a significant reduction of the acute-phase response. Parallel investigations of immunological parameters revealed a decrease of Il-6 levels in the sera. Therefore, we suggest a decreased activation status of the monocyte-macrophage system and T cells as a possible mode of action of high-dose immunoglobulin therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.
Horneff
G
G
Kinderklinik, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, BRD.
Schwab
J
J
Holtz
N
N
Kalden
J R
JR
Burmester
G R
GR
D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D008262:Macrophage Activation / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009000:Monocytes / Q000276:immunology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology
D002097:C-Reactive Protein
Hochdosierte Immunglobulintherapie der rheumatoiden Arthritis.