[Results of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin treatment of patients with pretibial myxedema and B
Clin Ter. 1992 Sep;141(9 Pt 2):63-8.

[Results of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin treatment of patients with pretibial myxedema and Basedow's disease. Preliminary findings]

[Article in Italian]

Antonelli A, Saracino A, Agostini S, Alberti B, Melosi A, Gambuzza C, Avantaggiato G, Baschieri L.

Istituto di Clinica Medica II, Universita degli Studi di Pisa.

Three patients affected with Graves' ophthalmopathy and pretibial myxoedema have been treated with high dose intravenous immunoglobulins. We have observed in all patients clinical improvement of pretibial myxoedema and a parallel reduction or negativization of the titre of circulating thyroglobulin, microsomal, TSH receptor autoantibodies and of non organ-specific antibodies (antinuclear, anti smooth muscle cells and antimitochondrial autoantibodies). In conclusion the results of this study suggest that intravenous immunoglobulin are effective in the treatment of pretibial myxoedema and probably act by an immunomodulation of autoimmune phenomena.

Publication Types:
  • Case Reports

PMID: 1281765 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]