Subcutaneous immunoglobulin for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy.

What was studied

This Cochrane review looked at immunoglobulin given under the skin for CIDP. CIDP is an immune nerve disease. It causes weakness and sensory problems. The team searched for trials against placebo or other treatment. They found 4 trials with 360 people. 3 trials used it as long-term treatment against placebo. One compared it with immunoglobulin into a vein as a starting treatment.

What they found

Over 12 to 24 weeks, it probably cut the risk of worse disability. It probably improved grip strength and disability scores. Local side effects were probably more likely. Whole-body side effects did not differ. For starting treatment, the data were too thin to judge. No trials compared it with placebo for starting treatment.

What it means for patients

The authors say long-term use probably lowers worse disability compared with placebo. It probably improves grip strength and disability scores. The cost is a probable rise in local side effects. They say these were mostly mild reactions at the site.

Why it is not certain yet

The evidence for long-term use is rated moderate in certainty. The evidence for the vein comparison is rated low. It is unclear if it works as well as treatment into a vein. Only one trial had low risk of bias in every area. The authors say more trials are needed.

Source

Subcutaneous immunoglobulin for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy.

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