Protocol of a dose response trial of IV immunoglobulin in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (DRIP study)

Abstract
High peak levels of serum IgG may not be needed for maintenance treatment of CIDP with IVIg. More frequent dosing of IVIg leads to more stable IgG levels and higher trough levels which may be related with improved clinical efficacy. More frequent lower dosing leads to lower peak levels and may induce less systemic side‐effects. The DRIP study is a double‐blind randomized controlled cross‐over intervention study. CIDP patients ≥ 18 years old, proven IVIg dependent and receiving an individually established but stable maintenance dose and interval of IVIg (Kiovig) can be included. One group (A) will be treated with their normal dosage and interval of IVIg and receive a placebo (albumin 0.5%) infusion in between their regular IVIg infusions, for a total of 4 infusions. The other group (B) will be treated with half their normal IVIg dosage (with the same volume of placebo to maintain the total volume) at half their interval (double their frequency) for 4 infusions. After a wash‐out phase (2 infusions), patients will cross‐over to the other treatment group. During the study the total dose of IVIg administered will remain unchanged as before start of the trial. The main objective is to investigate whether high frequent low dosage IVIg treatment is more effective than low frequent high dosage IVIg treatment as maintenance treatment for CIDP. Hand grip strength, as measured by the Martin Vigorimeter, will be used as the primary outcome measure. Secondary objective...

Source: Journal of the Peripheral Nervous System - September 1, 2017 Category: Neurology Authors: K. Kuitwaard, W.J.R. Fokkink, E Brusse, A.F.J.E. Vrancken, F. Eftimov, N.C. Notermans, A.J. van der Kooi, I.S.J. Merkies, B.C. Jacobs, P.A. van Doorn Tags: RESEARCH REPORTS Source Type: research