Churg-Strauss syndrome and pregnancy: successful treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin.

Abstract

Churg-Strauss syndrome is an extremely rare disease, and even less common in women of childbearing age. The initial management of Churg-Strauss syndrome consists of high doses of corticosteroids. Patients with severe disease, or those who are unresponsive to corticosteroids, usually are treated with cytotoxic drugs. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) has become a promising, but not completely accepted, form of treatment for systemic vasculitis that is unresponsive to standard therapy. We present a case of a woman diagnosed with Churg-Strauss syndrome that was refractory to corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide treatment. When she was found to be 3 months pregnant, treatment with IVIg was instituted with successful results. This case not only supports the beneficial effect of IVIg in Churg-Strauss syndrome, it illustrates its successful use in a patient who was pregnant.

• Authors: Samara Amaris Rutberg, David E Ward, Bernard J Roth
• Journal: Journal of clinical rheumatology : practical reports on rheumatic & musculoskeletal diseases (J Clin Rheumatol) Vol. 8 Issue 3 Pg. 151-6 (Jun 2002) ISSN: 1076-1608 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17041345 (Publication Type: Journal Article)