INTRAVENOUS IMMUNOGLOBULIN THERAPY FOR AUTOIMMUNE DIABETES-MELLITUS

Objective. A variety of immune therapies have been used in an attempt to reduce the immune destruction of the insulin secreting beta cells w hich results in insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). This study investigated the use of intravenous gammaglobulin therapy (IVIG) in c hildren and adults with IDDM who participated in a two-year randomised controlled trial which also examined the effect of transfer factor in altering the natural course of IDDM. Methods. Treatment was administe red every two months for the duration of the study. IVIG was given in a dose of 2 g/kg body weight in divided doses over two days. The other two groups received art intramuscular injection - the control group r eceived normal saline and the transfer factor group received 1 i.u. of transfer factor. Remission rates, beta cell function and treatment si de effects were assessed. Results. Compared with the control group, IV IG therapy given every 2 months for 2 years, did nor result in an incr eased number of complete remissions or differences in insulin dose, di abetes control or endogenous insulin secretion assessed as fasting and stimulated C-peptide responses to glucagon and a meal. IVIG therapy w as associated with significant side effects. Conclusion. It is unlikel y that IVIG therapy will be a viable option for immunotherapy in IDDM.