Pharmacokinetics of Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Low change in serum level of immunoglobulin G after treatment with IVIG is associated with a relatively severe clinical disease and poor outcome.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), an immune-mediated inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathy, is the most common cause of rapidly progressive generalized paralysis in developed countries. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and plasma exchange have improved outcomes in randomized controlled trials, yet some patients have substantial disability despite treatment. Although IVIG is generally preferred for its low adverse-effect profile and ease of administration, approximately 10% of patients have so-called treatment-related fluctuations — improvement followed by relapse — and others show no improvement or stabilization. Whether higher doses or repeated courses of IVIG would benefit these patients is unknown. Now, researchers provide important insights…

Reviewing Author

Kenneth C. Gorson, MD