How long is IVIg effective in multifocal motor neuropathy?

Neurology. 2004 Feb 24;62(4):666-8. doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000110185.23464.a1.

Abstract

The authors treated 10 patients with multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) responding to an initial course of IV immunoglobulin (IVIg) with periodic infusion for 5 to 12 years (mean 8.2 years). At last follow-up, only two patients had maintained the maximal improvement achieved during therapy while eight worsened despite increasing Ig dosage. This decline started after 3 to 7 years (mean 4.8 years) of therapy and correlated with a reduction of distal compound muscle action potential amplitudes (p < 0.019). The effectiveness of IVIg in MMN often declines after several years possibly associated with the development of axonal degeneration.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Axons / pathology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Degeneration / etiology
  • Nerve Degeneration / pathology
  • Polyneuropathies / pathology
  • Polyneuropathies / therapy*
  • Recurrence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous