Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) Treating PPS
Dr. Bruno’s Post: I've been writing since 2004 about the failure of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) as a treatment for PPS in spite of glowing “press releases” from the IVIG manufacturers (please see below). One post-polio boat sailed long ago: Inflammation does not cause PPS. That is unless you’re a corporation that “publishes” research via “very excited” press releases and happens to have a “product opportunity” that may make you a buck… or 1,500 bucks, the cost of just one Xepol treatment.
Independent researchers have reviewed the published studies on IVIG in 508 polio survivors and have just come to the same conclusion:
Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Post Polio Syndrome:
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Yao-Hsien Huang, et al. BMC Neurology 2015, Number: 39 March 22, 2015
Summary
Background: Post-Polio syndrome (PPS) is characterized by progressive disabilities that develop decades after prior paralytic poliomyelitis. Because chronic inflammation has been suggested as causing the development of PPS, immunomodulatory management, such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) administration, may be beneficial.
Methods: We performed a systematic review and combined analysis of 3 published randomized, placebo-controlled trials of 241 patients and 5 prospective studies of 267 patients that evaluated the effect of IVIG in managing PPS. Pain severity, fatigue, muscle strength, physical performance and, quality of life were measured before and after IVIG infusion.
Conclusion: The present review indicated that IVIg is unlikely to produce significant improvements in pain, fatigue, or muscle strength. Thus, routinely administering IVIg to patients with PPS is not recommended.
You can find multiple articles regarding IVIG Treatment and PPS in the Encyclopedia of Polio and PPS. Look in the Index under the topic(s): IVIG or Treatment