Immunoglobulin treatment in post-polio syndrome: Identification of responders and non-responders.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To define and characterize responders and non-responders in a group of 124 patients with post-polio syndrome who received a single treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin.

DESIGN:

Open trial, prospective follow-up study.

METHODS:

Clinical examination and data from medical records. Short Form 36 (SF-36), Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and visual analogue scale (VAS) measured quality of life, physical activity and intensity of pain, respectively. Data were obtained before treatment and at 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS:

Two responder groups were identified with the outcome SF-36 Vitality and 3 with Bodily pain, respectively. Forty-five percent were positive-responders, identified before treatment by reduced physical function, muscle atrophy in the lower extremities, higher levels of fatigue and pain, and a VAS pain score above 20. Negative-responders were identified by good physical function and mental health, lesser muscle atrophy in the lower extremities, and low levels of fatigue and pain.

CONCLUSION:

Intravenous immunoglobulin is a biological intervention, and therefore it is important to be able to identify responders and non-responders. In order to maximize a positive outcome it is suggested that patients with a high level of fatigue and/or pain and reduced physical function are selected.

• Authors: Gunilla Östlund, Lisbet Broman, Lars Werhagen, Kristian Borg
• Journal: Journal of rehabilitation medicine (J Rehabil Med) Vol. 47 Issue 8 Pg. 727-33 (Sep 2015) ISSN: 1651-2081 [Electronic] Sweden
• PMID: 26286895 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Immunoglobulins, Intravenous

Topics

• Administration, Intravenous
• Aged
• Fatigue (drug therapy)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Immunoglobulins, Intravenous (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Male
• Pain (drug therapy)
• Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome (drug therapy)
• Prospective Studies
• Quality of Life