Immunoglobulin

I’ve seen a news bulletin, originating from the Archives of Neurology, that states that receiving Immunoglobulin at the first sign of MS, boosts the immune system and appears to be very beneficial in preventing progression of the disease.

Now I’m really confused!!! For years we’ve been told that the immune system has to be suppressed with MS and that boosting the immune system can be dangerous for patients. Now we are being told that an immune boosting drug shows a lot of promise…  Can you clarify this please?

Immunoglobulins are antibody proteins secreted by white blood cells called B-lymphocytes as part of the immune response.  Intravenous immunoglobulin is a blood product created by pooling human immunoglobulin from a large number of human donors.  It works by modulating the immune response and does not boost the immune system.  It is used in the treatment of a number of autoimmune diseases.  There have been a number of studies of intravenous immunoglobulin in multiple sclerosis, with variable results.  The latest is the study that you refer to, published in the Archives of Neurology in October, 2004.  It showed a benefit in delaying the second relapse of MS in those who had suffered a first demyelinating event suggestive of MS.  Intravenous immunoglobulin is not currently considered a first line treatment given the mixed results of the studies done to date, as compared to the results obtained with other immunomodulatory therapies.  There have also been some problems with supply of immunoglobulin and it is quite expensive.  The role of immunoglobulin in the treatment of MS, however, continues to be an area of active research and discussion.

Dr. Mary Lou Myles