Human immunoglobulin for diabetic amyotrophy--a promising prospect?
Diabetic neuropathies are universally recognised and cause significant morbidity. At present improving glycaemic control is the only recognised treatment. A man with type 2 diabetes presented with disabling asymmetric lower limb proximal neuropathy. Rapid clinical, functional, and electrical improvement followed treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin. The aetiology of diabetic amyotrophy remains controversial but there is evidence for an immune mediated process and this case suggests a role for immunoglobulin in the management of this debilitating condition.
Courtney
A E
AE
Department of Neurology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK. aecourtney@doctors.org.uk
McDonnell
G V
GV
Patterson
V H
VH
D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004576:Electromyography; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007328:Insulin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D007328:Insulin