Takashi Shimizu1, Takayoshi Morita1,2, Atsushi Kumanogoh1,2. 1. Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine. 2. Laboratory of Immunopathology, World Premier International Immunology Frontier Research Center, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The therapeutic effects of IVIG in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) have not been established so far. This study aims to estimate the effects of IVIG on AAV by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A comprehensive systematic review was conducted in accordance with the guidelines of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews And Meta-analyses). PubMed and Google Scholar were used to search for original studies on AAV and collect clinical data before and after IVIG treatment. A meta-analysis of each clinical parameter was performed, and standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% CI were calculated using the random effects model. RESULTS: A total of 220 studies were identified, and nine met the selection criteria for the meta-analysis. IVIG was administered to active AAV patients as an immunomodulatory therapy in the nine studies selected. Significant reductions in BVAS (SMD -1.7; 95% CI [-2.66, -0.73]; P = 0.0006), ANCA (SMD -0.72; 95% CI [-1.13, -0.31]; P = 0.0006) and CRP (SMD -0.92; 95% CI [-1.49, -0.35]; P = 0.002) were noted within 6 months after administration of IVIG. Subgroup analysis in the unmodified immunotherapy population showed reductions in BVAS (SMD -1.39; 95% CI [-2.31, -0.48]; P = 0.003) and CRP (SMD -0.56; 95% CI [-0.93, -0.19]; P = 0.002) within half a month after IVIG treatment. CONCLUSION: IVIG was associated with rapid improvements in disease activity and the related biomarkers in patients with active AAV.
OBJECTIVES: The therapeutic effects of IVIG in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) have not been established so far. This study aims to estimate the effects of IVIG on AAV by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A comprehensive systematic review was conducted in accordance with the guidelines of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews And Meta-analyses). PubMed and Google Scholar were used to search for original studies on AAV and collect clinical data before and after IVIG treatment. A meta-analysis of each clinical parameter was performed, and standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% CI were calculated using the random effects model. RESULTS: A total of 220 studies were identified, and nine met the selection criteria for the meta-analysis. IVIG was administered to active AAV patients as an immunomodulatory therapy in the nine studies selected. Significant reductions in BVAS (SMD -1.7; 95% CI [-2.66, -0.73]; P = 0.0006), ANCA (SMD -0.72; 95% CI [-1.13, -0.31]; P = 0.0006) and CRP (SMD -0.92; 95% CI [-1.49, -0.35]; P = 0.002) were noted within 6 months after administration of IVIG. Subgroup analysis in the unmodified immunotherapy population showed reductions in BVAS (SMD -1.39; 95% CI [-2.31, -0.48]; P = 0.003) and CRP (SMD -0.56; 95% CI [-0.93, -0.19]; P = 0.002) within half a month after IVIG treatment. CONCLUSION: IVIG was associated with rapid improvements in disease activity and the related biomarkers in patients with active AAV.