Intravenous immunoglobulin may reduce relapse frequency in neuromyelitis optica

• Intravenous immunoglobulin was given to NMO/NMOSD patients.
• Regular IVIG may be used to reduce the frequency of relapses in patients with NMO/NMOSD.
• IVIG may be an alternative to immunosuppressants in patients with NMO/NMOSD.

ObjectivesTo evaluate the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in preventing relapses in patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and its spectrum disorders (NMOSDs).MethodsSix NMO/NMOSD patients who were treated with IVIG induction dose followed by 2- to 3- monthly infusions were retrospectively identified. Annualized relapse rates (ARR) and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) pre- and post-IVIG were recorded.ResultsMedian number of relapses and median ARR significantly reduced from 8.0 to 1.0 and 0.75 to 0.15 (p < 0.05) respectively. Median EDSS of 6.5 remained the same. Median duration of treatment was 4.0 years.ConclusionIVIG may be used to reduce the relapse frequency in patients with NMO/NMOSD.