IV immunoglobulin does not reverse established weakness in MS - A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background: Immunoglobulin (Ig) administration induces remyelination in the Theiler's virus model of MS. Methods: A randomized, double-blinded, placeb o-controlled trial of IV immunoglobulin (Mg) was performed in patients with MS who had persistent muscle weakness that had been stable for between 4 a nd 18 months to determine whether this would improve muscle strength (prima ry outcome: isometric muscle strength). Patients received either Mg (0.4 g/ kg) or placebo daily for 5 days, then single infusions every 2 weeks for 3 months (total, 11 infusions). Muscle groups identified by clinical measures to have unchanging significant weakness were the major targets for therape utic response (targeted neurologic deficit [TND]). Results: Mg was well tol erated. An interim analysis after 67 patients were enrolled indicated no di fference in the degree of change in strength between treatment groups in ei ther the TND or non-TND muscle groups at 6 months, and the trial was termin ated. There was no apparent benefit in relapse behavior or impairment measu res during the 6-month observation period. Nor was there apparent benefit i n either patients who remained clinically stable or in those with evidence of disease activity. Patients with active MS during the trial worsened in b oth TND and non-TND muscle groups. This worsening was seen regardless of wh ether the clinical manifestations of disease activity involved the TND musc le groups. Conclusions: Mg does not reverse established weakness in MS. Mea surements of isometric muscle strength were reliable (reproducible) indices of strength and may be sensitive, objective methods to document functional changes in impairment in future MS trials.