Preliminary estimation of results of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin in severe steroid-dependen

Preliminary estimation of results of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin in severe steroid-dependent adult asthma

[Article in Polish]

Klos K, Kruszewski J.

Pol Merkuriusz Lek. 2001 Nov;11(65):379-83.


Klinika Chorob Infekcyjnych i Alergologii IMW CSK WAM w Warszawie.

The aim of this study was to estimate efficacy and safety the high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin's (IVIG) in severe steroid-dependent adult asthma. The study group consisted of 10 asthmatic patients aged 18-74 (in an average 53 +/- 15) who received 6 months infusions therapy (7 doses). Each IVIG dose was 2 g/kg/month of body mass. In treatment monitoring the following parameters were used: asthma score, drugs (systemic and inhaled corticosteroids, beta 2-mimetic) use, daily PEF and monthly FEV1. Preliminary estimation of the obtained results shows the reduction of systemic corticosteroids doses and simultaneous improvement of asthma score and FEV1 as well as the decrease of asthma aggravation and emergency need among examined patients. Basing on this experience in high-dose IVIG treatment of patients with severe steroid-dependent asthma one could conclude about the safety and effectiveness of this method, particularly about its influence on the reduction of corticosteroids doses necessary for asthma control. The short time of observation does not allow to estimate the persistence of therapeutic effect after finish of this therapy. However, in some patients the recovery persisted for 6 months after the ending of IVIG infusions.

PMID: 11852803 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]