Completed

Phase 1
All Genders
ID00001550

The Efficacy of High-Dose Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy in Patients With Stiff-Man Syndrome: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Led by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) · Updated on 2006-07-14

20

Participants Needed

1

Research Sites

N/A

Total Duration

On this page

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Stiff-man Syndrome (SMS) is a chronic, progressive disorder of the nervous system. It is associated with painful muscle spasms and rigidity involving muscles of the limbs, trunk, and neck. The cause of the disease is unknown, but researchers believe it may be a result of an autoimmune process. Patients with Stiff-man Syndrome may produce antibodies that attack enzymes required for the normal function of the nervous system. Steroids, plasmapheresis, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) have been given to relieve some of the symptoms of Stiff-man Syndrome. However, none of these therapies have proven to be significantly effective. This study will attempt to determine the effectiveness of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) for the treatment of Stiff-mann Syndrome. Patients participating in this study will be divided into two groups. Group one will receive 2 injections of IVIg once a month for three months. Group two will receive 2 injections of placebo "inactive sterile water" once a month for three months. Following the three months of treatment, group one will begin taking the placebo and group two will begin taking IVIg for an additional 3 months. The drug will be considered effective if patients receiving it experience a significant improvement in muscle function, mobility, and stiffness.

CONDITIONS

Official Title

Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) for the Treatment of Stiff-Man Syndrome (SMS)

Who Can Participate

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

You may qualify if you...

Men and non-pregnant women, between 18-75 years of age, who meet a defined criteria for the diagnosis of Stiff-man syndrome (SMS) will be screened as inpatients or in the outpatient clinic.

If the diagnosis is confirmed, the patients will be enrolled into the protocol, provided their disease remains symptomatic and poorly responsive to benzodiazepines.

Only patients with anti-GAD antibodies will be included.

Patients who have not received IVIg in the past 6 months may be included.

No pregnant or nursing women (confirmed by a pregnancy screening test).

No critically ill patients, such as those with severe cardiomyopathy, and respiratory insufficiency and severely incapacitated patients that require help for self care.

No patients with severe renal or hepatic disease, COPD or severe coronary artery disease.

No patients with serum IgA level less than 11 mg/dl.

Not Eligible

You will not qualify if you...

History of severe allergic reactions to study medication Currently pregnant or breastfeeding Recent participation in another clinical trial within the last 30 days Presence of uncontrolled medical conditions that could affect safety

Trial Site Locations

Total: 1 location

1

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20892

Status Unknown

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How is the study designed?

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Masking

N/A

Allocation

N/A

Model

N/A

Primary Purpose

TREATMENT

Number of Arms

0

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Published Research Related To This Trial

Autoantibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase in a patient with stiff-man syndrome, epilepsy, and type I diabetes mellitus.

M Solimena, F Folli, S Denis-Donini...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3281011