Intravenous immunoglobulin for multifocal motor neuropathy

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) may have a beneficial effect on strength in patients with multifocal motor neuropathy.

A Cochrane review included 4 studies with a total of 34 subjects. A total of 2-2.5 g/kg of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) was administered over 5 days in a crossover design. Outcome was assessed up to 28 weeks. Strength improved in 78% of patients treated with IVIg vs. 4% of placebo-treated patients. A significantly higher proportion of patients improved their muscle strength after IVIg therapy as compared with placebo (78% vs. 4%, RR 11.00, 95% CI 2.86 to 42.25; 3 trials, n=27). Disability improved in 39% of patients after IVIg and in 11% after placebo (statistically not significant) (3 trials, n=18). Mild, transient side effects were reported in 71% of IVIg treated patients. Serious side effects were not encountered.

Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by imprecise results (few patients with wide confidence intervals)

Ədəbiyyat

1. van Schaik IN, van den Berg LH, de Haan R, Vermeulen M. Intravenous immunoglobulin for multifocal motor neuropathy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2005 Apr 18;(2):CD004429. [Assessed as up-to-date:15 Mar 2007]