Intravenous immunoglobulin and Sjögren Syndrome

Sjogren Syndrome (SS) is an auto-immune disorder with a high incidence and prevalence, variable clinical manifestations and well-defined diagnostic criteria. Increasing attention has been devoted to areas like its pathological mechanisms and the search for new therapeutic strategies. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is indicated for many disorders, and investigation on its mechanisms of action has yielded some preliminary findings, especially on its effects on the immune activity. The spectrum for its therapeutic use, although very controversial, has been increasing, mainly in situations involving auto-immune processes. There are a few written cases on the use of IVIg in the SS’s treatment, especially when neurological manifestations occur. In this paper we review the interest of using IVIg in SS, and analyze the published case reports of its use. We find that IVIg seems an important therapeutic option for many cases of SS. Accumulating data suggests a rational for its use as second line option in cases of extraglandular manifestations resistant to conventional treatment.