Hagman JH, Carrozzo AM, Campione E, Romanelli P, Chimenti S, et al.
The Journal of dermatological treatment. Date of publication 2001 Mar 1;volume 12(1):19-22.
1. J Dermatolog Treat. 2001 Mar;12(1):19-22.
The use of high-dose immunoglobulin in the treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum.
Hagman JH(1), Carrozzo AM, Campione E, Romanelli P, Chimenti S.
Author information:
(1)University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Department of Dermatology, Rome, Italy.
Comment in
J Dermatolog Treat. 2001 Mar;12(1):1.
BACKGROUND: Immunosuppressive medications such as corticosteroids and cyclosporin
are the most commonly employed therapies in pyoderma gangrenosum. We describe a
patient with multiple ulcers of pyoderma gangrenosum on the lower extremities in
whom immunosuppressive therapy caused serious side effects and had to be
discontinued but who was subsequently treated successfully with high dose
intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).
METHODS: IVIG was given intravenously at a dose of 400 mg/kg per day for 5
consecutive days. After 1 week there was an arrest in the progression of the
ulcers and a marked reduction in pain. Two weeks later clinical improvement of
the ulcers was observed. Subsequently, IVIG was given at a dose of 1 g/kg per day
for 2 consecutive days.
RESULTS: The treatment induced a dramatic clinical improvement of one ulcer and
healing of the others. Side effects were minimal and well tolerated, and
consisted of chills and a slight fever, which resolved with the administration of
acetaminophen.
CONCLUSION: We feel that IVIG can be used in patients with pyoderma gangrenosum
in whom conventional therapies are ineffective or produce serious side effects.
DOI: 10.1080/095466301750163527
PMID: 12171682 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
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