Intravenous immune globulin in multiple sclerosis: clinical and neuroradiological results and implications for possible mechanisms of action

Abstract

Extensive evidence exists indicating that immunoregulatory mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Several possible mechanisms by which intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) modulates the course of the disease are related to limiting the inflammatory process and repairing the damage by enhancing remyelination. Presently, the evidence for the effect of IVIG in MS is based on the results of small open trials, some of which have been encouraging. In the current study, the positive impact of IVIG treatment on arresting disease progression was evident by decreased brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scores of the lesion area. In an effort to extend these findings, the authors initiated a multicentre, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The trial was designed to compare the efficacy of IVIG treatment with placebo in relapsing-remitting patients (ages 20-55 years) with definite MS, disease duration of 2-10 years and frequency of exacerbations 1-3/year during the 2 years prior to the study. Patients were examined monthly and brain MRI studies scheduled at entry, and after the first and second years of the trial. The primary endpoints included the number of acute exacerbations and neurological disability. The secondary endpoints included change in the MRI lesion burden, evaluated by the number and area of lesions. The trial ended in June 1995.