[Intravenous immunoglobulins for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis after failure of treatment with other immuno-modulators].
Intravenous immunoglobulins are used in the treatment of different autoimmune diseases. Recent trials suggest their efficacy in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. We report the results of an efficacy and safety trial using monthly intravenous injections of immunoglobulins for patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Eighteen patients in clinical progression, who have been previously treated with immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive drugs, were given monthly intravenous immunoglobulin infusions (0.4 g/kg/d for 5 days). At the beginning, the mean EDSS score was 6.77. At the end of the study, an improvement of EDSS was noted in 61.1 p. cent of patients, with less than 1 and 0.75 for secondary and primary progressive diseases respectively. No worsening was reported. Surprisingly, some patients had partial improvement of neurological functions which were considered as sequelae. Indications for intravenous immunoglobulins in the treatment of the multiple sclerosis need to be evaluated.
Lebrun
C
C
Service de Neurologie, Hôpital Pasteur, Nice, France.
Ghetau
G
G
Bourg
V
V
Chanalet
S
S
Dumas
S
S
Chatel
M
M
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D004351:Drug Resistance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous