High dose intravenous immunoglobulins in systemic lupus erythematosus: clinical and serological results of a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of high dose intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).


METHODS
Twelve patients with mildly to moderately active disease were given 30 g of sulfonated IVIG preparation on each of Days 1-4 and 21-24.


RESULTS
Within 6 weeks the mean disease activity score, the Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM), declined from 7.33 (range 3-15) to 5.25 (range 0-10) (p < 0.01). In 9/12 patients the SLAM dropped by at least 2 points. In 3/12 patients the improvement lasted 5 to 12 months. Within 1 week after initiation of therapy most patients showed a decline in ds-DNA antibodies, whereas titers of antinuclear antibodies and complement proteins were not affected. The treatment was well tolerated, with the exception of transient hypotension in one patient.


CONCLUSIONS
In this uncontrolled study, IVIG had temporary beneficial effects in mildly to moderately active SLE.
Schroeder
J O
JO
2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Christian-Albrecht-University Kiel, Germany.
Zeuner
R A
RA
Euler
H H
HH
Löffler
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000096:biosynthesis; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D003181:Complement C4 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D004249:DNA Damage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000191:economics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010976:Platelet Count / Q000187:drug effects; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D003176:Complement C3; D003181:Complement C4; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous