Key result
Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment resulted in a positive response in 46% of patients with post-polio syndrome, with responders characterized by higher baseline fatigue, pain, and muscle weakness.
Why the study?
Does intravenous immunoglobulin improve fatigue and pain in patients with post-polio syndrome?
Does intravenous immunoglobulin improve fatigue and pain in patients with post-polio syndrome?
In patients with post-polio syndrome, positive response to IVIG treatment can be predicted by a high baseline level of fatigue and pain (VAS > 20) and reduced physical function.
High baseline fatigue/pain may predict IVIG response in post-polio syndrome; leaves open efficacy pending randomized confirmation.
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.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Östlund et al. (2015) studied Post-polio syndrome (n=124). Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was evaluated on Positive response (increase of ≥11 points on SF-36 Vitality or Bodily pain at 6 months). Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment resulted in a positive response in 46% of patients with post-polio syndrome, with responders characterized by higher baseline fatigue, pain, and muscle weakness.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: