A controlled trial of intravenous immunoglobulin in multifocal motor neuropathy.

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has become the standard treatment for multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) based on limited data. To critically assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of 10% liquid IVIG (IVIG), 44 adults with MMN were randomized 1 : 1 to either double-blind treatment of IVIG followed by placebo for 12 weeks each or the reverse. Open-label IVIG was administered for 12 weeks at the beginning and end of the study for clinical stabilization, and between double-blinded periods to prevent a carry-over effect.

Recombinant human hyaluronidase-facilitated subcutaneous infusion of human immunoglobulins for primary immunodeficiency.

Background: Subcutaneous immunoglobulin (IGSC) replacement therapy for primary immunodeficiency (PI) is equally efficacious to intravenous immunoglobulin (IGIV), induces fewer systemic reactions, and may be self-infused. Limited SC infusion volumes and reduced bioavailability, however, necessitate multiple infusion sites, more frequent treatment, and dose adjustment to achieve pharmacokinetic equivalence. Recombinant human hyaluronidase (rHuPH20) increases SC tissue permeability and facilitates dispersion and absorption, enabling administration of monthly doses in one site.

The natural killer cell: a further innate mediator of gouty inflammation?

Natural killer (NK) cells are vital effector cells of innate immunity because of their rapid cytotoxic and cytokine-producing responses to cell stress or infection. A distinguishing feature of NK cells is the ability to balance these signals with those of normal homeostasis through the expression of an array of inhibitory and activating receptors. Two functional subsets of NK cells exist: the more mature CD56(dim) population is potently cytotoxic, whereas CD56(bright) NK cells have low cytotoxicity but produce much greater amounts of cytokines, and express homing molecules for secondary lymphoid organs and sites of inflammation.