[Intravenous IgG for treatment of neuromuscular diseases].
BACKGROUND
Highly purified IgG administered intravenously (IVIG) is used to treat many neurological diseases.


METHODS
This review is based on articles identified through a search in PubMed and the authors' knowledge and experience within the field.


RESULTS
The effect of IVIG has been best documented in the treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, multifocal motor neuropathy and acute exacerbation of myasthenia gravis. Some smaller studies support explorative IVIG treatment in other neurological diseases such as Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, paraproteinemic neuropathy, neuropathy caused by vasculitis, inflammatory myopathies and stiff-person syndrome.


CONCLUSIONS
IVIG affects the immune system in different ways. Documentation for the effect of such treatment in most neurological diseases remains sparse.
Vedeler
Christian A
CA
Nevrologisk avdeling, Haukeland universitetssykehus, 5021 Bergen, Norway. christian.vedeler@helse-bergen.no
Mellgren
Svein Ivar
SI
Omdal
Roald
R
Torbergsen
Torberg
T
Aasly
Jan
J
D003711:Demyelinating Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010951:Plasma Exchange; D011115:Polyneuropathies / Q000188:drug therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous