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IV immunoglobulin may improve gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with systemic sclerosis
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Patients with gastrointestinal symptoms related to systemic sclerosis may benefit from treatment with IV immunoglobulin therapy, according to recently presented data.
A group of 15 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) were recruited between March and October 2014 from the Royal Free Hospital in Kuala Lumpur. Mean patient age was 47.3 years, and mean disease duration was 7 years. Proton pump inhibitors and immunosuppressants were received by all patients at standard doses.
IV immunoglobulin therapy was conducted for a mean duration of 2.3 years, with a frequency of between six infusions per week to four infusions per month. The researchers assessed upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms using the Reflux Disease Questionnaire and the University of California – Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trial Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract Instrument (UCLA-SCTC GIT) 2.0, while Medical Research Council (MRC) Sum Score for muscle strength and modified Rodnan Skin Score were also measured.
Significant improvement in gastroesophageal reflux disease frequency and intensity from baseline was observed. Mean UCLA-SCTC GIT improved significantly, and MRC Sum scores also improved from baseline, according to the researchers.
Creatinine kinase levels were reduced from a mean 501.3 mc/L and median 192 mc/L to a mean 112 mc/L and median 77 mc/L. Additionally, the mean basal modified Rodnan skin score was 20 at baseline, which was reduced to 9.14 after treatment.
Duration of IV immunoglobulin was not associated with response status after treatment, according to the researchers. – by Shirley Pulawski
Reference:
Raja J, et al. Paper #FRI0470. Presented at: European League Against Rheumatism Annual European Congress of Rheumatology; June 10-13, 2015; Rome.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.