Plasma and gamma-globulin infusion in chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy

J Neurol Sci. 1985 Oct;70(3):317-26. doi: 10.1016/0022-510x(85)90173-x.

Abstract

We treated 17 patients with chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy (CIP) with infusions of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP). Thirteen patients had a beneficial response: 12 improved considerably and one moderately. The first signs of improvement were seen within 8 days of the onset of treatment. None of these patients had had spontaneous remissions for 2 months prior to treatment, and none had received immunosuppressive medication during the plasma infusions. The treatment effect was short-lasting in 9 patients. Re-institution of the FFP infusions was always followed by improvement. The same effect could be achieved by intravenous gamma-globulin. We conclude that infusions with FFP, of which the IgG fraction is the effective part, may induce a rapid and clinically important improvement in patients with CIP.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / adverse effects
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Blood Transfusion*
  • Child
  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neural Conduction
  • Peripheral Nerves / immunology
  • Plasma*
  • Plasmapheresis
  • Polyneuropathies / immunology
  • Polyneuropathies / therapy*
  • gamma-Globulins / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • gamma-Globulins