No benefit of treatment with cyclophosphamide and autologous blood stem cell transplantation in multifocal motor neuropathy.
BACKGROUND
Patients with multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) usually respond to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), but because of the short-lasting effect the treatment must be given repeatedly. Remission after treatment with high-dose cyclophosphamide has recently been reported in one patient refractory to IVIG.


METHODS
Here we report on a patient who responded to IVIG, but temporarily deteriorated dramatically after treatment with high-dose cyclophosphamide and autologous blood stem cell transplantation. Today the situation is the same as before the treatment with cyclophosphamide and blood stem cell transplantation, i.e. IVIG is given every 4 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
Our patient did not benefit from the treatment with high-dose cyclophosphamide and autologous blood stem cell transplantation. The effect of treatment with high-dose cyclophosphamide in MMN seems to be difficult to predict and that should be paid attention to if this type of treatment is considered.
Axelson
H W
HW
Department of Neurophysiology, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden. hans.axelson@akademiska.se
Oberg
G
G
Askmark
H
H
D000328:Adult; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D016472:Motor Neuron Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D017211:Treatment Failure
D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D003520:Cyclophosphamide