Treatment of Multiple System Atrophy Using Intravenous Immunoglobulins
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2012-12-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a progressive sporadic neurodegenerative disorder leading to
widespread loss of brain cells that results in parkinsonian, cerebellar and autonomic
dysfunction. The cause of the MSA remains unclear. Available treatment is symptomatic only
and does not alter the course of disease.
Although the cause of MSA remains unclear, there is evidence of presence of common
neuroinflammatory mechanisms in the MSA brains including activation of microglia and
production of toxic cytokines. This research protocol is based on hypothesis that the MSA
progression can be altered by blocking the neuroinflammatory activity.
This protocol includes administration of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). IVIg contains
antibodies derived from human plasma which can block the inflammatory responses in the brain
that can lead to loss of brain cells.