IVIG for Livedoid Vasculopathy: Effective but Expensive

After six cycles of intravenous immune globulin therapy, disease activity was reduced, and quality of life was improved.

Livedoid vasculopathy is a thrombotic process of unknown etiology. Multiple treatments have been proposed, including those directed against various components of the coagulation cascade, antiplatelet agents, anti-inflammatory agents, and immunosuppressive therapies, but none has been tested in randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) therapy was first reported in 2005 in a single patient (Acta Derm Venereol 2005; 85:374) and has since been reported in several case reports and small case series, usually at doses of 2 g/kg/month.

These researchers retrospectively analyzed IVIG therapy (2 g/kg every 4 weeks for 6 months) in 11 patients with 29 episodes of livedoid vasculopathy. Most patients received IVIG added …

Reviewing Author

Jeffrey P. Callen, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board XOMA; Eli Lilly; Celgene

Equity Various trust accounts

Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societies Association of Professors of Dermatology (President-Elect)