Article Text
Abstract
Objectives: To review case histories of patients in whom fibrosis played a significant role in the pathogenesis of their disease, and to determine whether intravenous gammaglobulin (IVIg) contributed to the regression of their fibrotic condition.
Methods: Eight patients with excess fibrotic reaction in the course of diverse diseases were analysed; a tendency that reverted with different IVIg treatment options. Myelofibrosis was predominant in three patients (a patient with a myeloproliferative syndrome, one with systemic lupus erythematosus, and one with Sjögren’s syndrome). Three patients had scleroderma as their main feature, one patient had hepatitis C cirrhosis, and one had idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Results: Fibrotic excess was reduced in all the patients by IVIg treatment. In five patients the disease as a whole benefited from the infusion of immunoglobulins.
Conclusion: IVIg may enhance resorption of fibrosis and promote healing in patients with fibrotic associated disorders.
- fibrosis
- myelofibrosis
- systemic lupus erythematosus
- systemic sclerosis
- cirrhosis
- intravenous gammaglobulin
- GM-CSF, granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor
- IFN, interferon
- IL, interleukin
- IVIg, intravenous gammaglobulin
- SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus
- Tsk, tight skin