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Evidence summaries

Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Multifocal Motor Neuropathy

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) may have a beneficial effect on strength in patients with multifocal motor neuropathy. Level of evidence: "C"

A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 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)

References

  • 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][PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords