Effect of intravenous immunoglobulin in patients with post-polio syndrome -- an uncontrolled pilot study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To analyse changes in muscle strength, physical performance and quality of life during intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment in patients with post-polio syndrome.

DESIGN:

Open clinical trial.

PATIENTS:

A total of 14 patients (6 women, 8 men; mean age 57 years, range 43-67 years) were included in the study.

INTERVENTION:

Treatment with 90 g IVIg (30 g daily for 3 days).

MAIN OUTCOME:

Muscle strength, measured with dynamic dynamometry, muscle function, by means of performing the 6-minute walk test, and quality of life, analysed by means of the SF-36 questionnaire, were performed before and after treatment.

RESULTS:

For quality of life there was a statistically significant improvement for all but one of the 8 multi-item scales of SF-36 when comparing data before and after treatment with IVIg. The multi-item scale most improved was Vitality. There was no significant increase in muscle strength and physical performance.

CONCLUSION:

Data indicate that IVIg may have a clinically relevant effect, with an improvement in quality of life. The effect may be due to a decrease in an inflammatory process in the central nervous system, which earlier has been reported in patients with past-polio syndrome after IVIg treatment. Since a possible placebo effect cannot be ruled out, a randomized controlled study is needed.

• Authors: Georgios Kaponides, Henrik Gonzalez, Tomas Olsson, Kristian Borg
• Journal: Journal of rehabilitation medicine (J Rehabil Med) Vol. 38 Issue 2 Pg. 138-40 (Mar 2006) ISSN: 1650-1977 [Print] Sweden
• PMID: 16546773 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Cytokines
• Immunoglobulins, Intravenous

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Cytokines (cerebrospinal fluid)
• Female
• Humans
• Immunoglobulins, Intravenous (administration & dosage)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Muscle, Skeletal (physiopathology)
• Pilot Projects
• Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome (immunology, physiopathology, therapy)
• Quality of Life
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Treatment Outcome
• Walking (physiology)