INTRAVENOUS IMMUNOGLOBULIN AS SOLE THERAPY FOR SYSTEMIC VASCULITIS

High-dose, pooled, i.v. immunoglobulin (IVIg) is a potential, alternat ive treatment for Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) and microscopic polyan giitis (MPA) which has shown promise in the treatment of refractory di sease when administered with continuing immunosuppression. This study of six new patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-po sitive vasculitis and early disease, without threatened vital organ fu nction, examined the therapeutic response to treatment with IVIg alone . IVIg was well tolerated and all six patients had early reductions in disease activity. Four entered full, clinical remission which lasted for at least 1 yr, while in two the responses were partial and transie nt, and they subsequently required conventional treatment. After 16-48 months of follow-up, two of the four patients in full remission relap sed, but the other two have remained well.