High dose intravenous immunoglobin for systemic lupus erythematosus with lupus nephritis and associated studies - case report

ABSTRACT

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of the commonest systemic autoimmune diseases that can present with variable clinical manifestations. Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been used as a salvage therapy for severe lupus with encouraging results though there is yet randomised trial to support the usage. This report highlights the efficacy and safety of high dose IVIG in SLE patients with multi-organ involvement particularly lupus nephritis. We also reviewed the literature on the usage of IVIG for lupus nephritis. However, more studies are needed to further clarify the optimal therapeutic dosage and regime for IVIG and to identify the group of patients who might benefit the most from this expensive therapy.