Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

INTRODUCTION: The Oxford Programme for Immunomodulatory Immunoglobulin Therapy has been operating since 1992 at Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals in the UK. Initially, this program was set up for patients with multifocal motor neuropathy or chronic inflammatory demyelinating poly-neuropathy to receive reduced doses of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in clinic on a regular basis (usually every 3 weeks). The program then rapidly expanded to include self-infusion at home, which monitoring showed to be safe and effective. It has been since extended to the treatment of other autoimmune diseases in which IVIG has been shown to be efficacious. METHODS: This review includes details of the program such as the training of patients, dosing with immunoglobulin, and monitoring and compliance for self-infusion at home, with cases to illustrate these points. RESULTS: In addition, the Evidence for efficacy and the effects of confounding morbidities will be are included described. More recently, subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy (SCIG) has been used in several chronic autoimmune peripheral neuropathies and in epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, with equally good effect. Trials of SCIG in other autoimmune diseases are planned.

Original publication

DOI

10.1007/s10875-010-9400-y

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Clin Immunol

Publication Date

05/2010

Volume

30 Suppl 1

Pages

S84 - S89

Keywords

Adolescent, Adult, Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System, Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic, Drug Monitoring, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Humans, Immunoglobulin G, Immunoglobulins, Intravenous, Immunologic Factors, Infusions, Intravenous, Injections, Subcutaneous, Male, Middle Aged, Motor Neuron Disease, Outpatient Clinics, Hospital, Patient Compliance, Polyradiculoneuropathy, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating, Pregnancy, Puerperal Disorders, Recurrence, Self Administration, Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia