Abstract |
Livedoid vasculopathy (LV) is a thrombotic vasculopathy of the skin of unknown origin. No treatment has been validated in this indication, but case reports demonstrated successful use of intravenous immunoglobulins ( IVIg) in LV. We assessed the efficacy and tolerability of 2 g/kg IVIg therapy every month for 2∼3 cycles in patients with refractory LV. We analyzed the efficacy, side effects and recurrence after long-term follow-up (51.9 ± 14.0 months) in seven patients with LV treated with 2 g/kg of IVIg. Mean clinical score of sum of erythema, ulceration and pain index (each: 0-3) was 5.7 ± 0.9 before the therapy and significantly lower after therapy (1.1 ± 0.5) (p = 0.001). Even after just one cycle of IVIg, the score decreased significantly from 5.7 ± 0.9 to 3.7 ± 0.9 (p = 0.002), especially the pain score. In one patient, LV has not recurred for over 7 years; six patients experienced recurrence after a mean of 12.7 ± 2.8 months. Out of the six patients, two patients were re-administered IVIg whereas the others were well controlled by conventional therapy. We propose that IVIg is a rapid, effective, and safe therapeutic option in LV refractory to other treatment modalities.
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Authors | Eun Jee Kim, So Young Yoon, Hyun Sun Park, Hyun-Sun Yoon, Soyun Cho |
Journal | Dermatologic therapy
(Dermatol Ther)
2015 Sep-Oct
Vol. 28
Issue 5
Pg. 287-90
ISSN: 1529-8019 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 25845419
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)
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Copyright | © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. |
Chemical References |
- Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
- Immunologic Factors
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Immunologic Factors
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Livedo Reticularis
(drug therapy, immunology, pathology)
- Male
- Pulse Therapy, Drug
- Recurrence
- Retreatment
- Treatment Outcome
- Young Adult
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