Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for neuromuscular disorders

Semin Neurol. 2007 Sep;27(4):340-6. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-985331.

Abstract

Treatment of specific immune-mediated neuromuscular disorders involves consideration of many factors including severity of illness, concurrent medical problems, supportive therapies, and immune-modulating therapies. Many immune-modulating therapies are available, including steroids, an increasing number of immunosuppressive drugs, plasmapheresis, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Deciding on which immune-modulating therapy involves selecting from those with proven efficacy for a specific disorder and global considerations of which therapies are most appropriate for an individual patient's circumstances. IVIG has become a commonly used therapy as it is well tolerated, easily administered, and is often efficacious with a relatively rapid action. IVIG has become a first-line therapy for several immune-mediated demyelinating polyneuropathies and may play a role in treating exacerbations of myasthenia gravis and selected chronic treatment-refractory cases of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, dermatomyositis, and polymyositis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / administration & dosage*
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / adverse effects
  • Immunologic Factors / adverse effects
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / immunology
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / therapy*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Immunologic Factors