The Value of Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy in Idiopathic Inflammatory Myositis in the Current Transformed Era of Biologics

Abstract

The understanding of etiology and pathogenesis of idiopathic immune myositis is fast evolving, and so is the classification of myositis subtypes. The diversity in genetics, major histocompatibility complex expressions, immunohistochemical, and specific and associated autoantibodies not only explains the individual variability in response to therapies but also begs for subtype-specific treatments. With the evolution of the new biological therapies, the treatment of idiopathic immune myositis (IIM) has greatly transformed in recent years. This article appraises the current therapeutic value of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in idiopathic immune myopathy patients in the era of transformed treatment options. This article argues why the IVIg therapy still retains its value as an unreplaceable treatment option in certain specific subtypes of idiopathic immune myositis patients as well as in certain specific clinical idiopathic immune myositis scenarios.

Keywords: biologics; dysphagia; idiopathic inflammatory myopathy; interstitial lung disease; juvenile dermatomyositis; polymyositis; recalcitrant; rituximab.