SAGE Open Medical Case Reports (Jan 2020)

Low-dose subcutaneous immunoglobulin is an effective treatment for autoimmune bullous skin disorders: A case report

  • Erin Streu,
  • Marni C Wiseman,
  • James B Johnston

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/2050313X19901071
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8

Abstract

Read online

Intravenous immunoglobulin is a recognized treatment in recalcitrant autoimmune bullous diseases. Infusions are administered monthly over 1–5 days in the hospital setting and associated with mild to severe infusion-related systemic effects, in part due to the high doses necessary to induce and achieve remission. We present a case series of four patients with bullous diseases treated successfully with low-dose subcutaneous IgG who achieved remission with maintenance therapy. Patient-administered smaller, more frequent doses of IgG into subcutaneous tissue more closely mimics the body’s own antibody production and produces a more stable serum trough level. Subcutaneous IgG is a novel treatment approach in bullous diseases which can induce a state remission.