[Current use of immunoglobulins in neurology].
Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) have been used for treating various neuroimmunological diseases. Over the past decade their efficacy could be demonstrated in placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trials. Use of IVIg has become the first-line treatment for Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, multifocal motor neuropathy, and rapidly worsening myasthenia gravis. It is also a second-line treatment for dermatomyositis, polymyositis, stiff-person syndrome, and pregnancy- and postpartum-related relapses in multiple sclerosis. Intravenous immunoglobulin is easily available, its administration is uncomplicated, and it has an excellent safety profile. In Germany it has been approved only for GBS; for other indications it has to be used off-label. Here we review the clinical applications and recommendations for the use of IVIg in neurological diseases.
Cursiefen
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Neurologische Klinik mit Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
Mäurer
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D020274:Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D009462:Neurology / Q000639:trends*
D007136:Immunoglobulins; D007155:Immunologic Factors