Fibrosis regression induced by intravenous gammaglobulin treatment.

Abstract

To review case histories of patients in whom fibrosis played a significant role in the pathogenesis of their disease, and to determine whether intravenous gammaglobulin (IVIg) contributed to the regression of their fibrotic condition. Eight patients with excess fibrotic reaction in the course of diverse diseases were analysed; a tendency that reverted with different IVIg treatment options. Myelofibrosis was predominant in three patients (a patient with a myeloproliferative syndrome, one with systemic lupus erythematosus, and one with Sjögren's syndrome). Three patients had scleroderma as their main feature, one patient had hepatitis C cirrhosis, and one had idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Fibrotic excess was reduced in all the patients by IVIg treatment. In five patients the disease as a whole benefited from the infusion of immunoglobulins. IVIg may enhance resorption of fibrosis and promote healing in patients with fibrotic associated disorders.