Source
Research Unit of Autoimmune Diseases and Department of Medicine B, Sheba Medical Centre, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.
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.