Long-Term Effect of IVIG on Quality of Life in CIDP

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is the treatment of choice for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, response-conditional crossover trial of IVIG demonstrated improved function in the IVIG group (the ICE study; Lancet Neurol 2008; 7:136). However, the long-term effect of IVIG on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a large series of CIDP patients has not been previously reported. Now, the ICE investigators report such findings in the 117 participants randomized to CIDP or placebo for 24 weeks. Crossover treatment was mandated for patients who did not improve. The 56 patients who responded to treatment during the first phase or in crossover were rerando…