Intravenous gamma globulin as first line therapy in polymyositis and dermatomyositis: an open study in 11 adult patients.

Abstract

IVIG therapy seems effective rarely as first therapy in patients with inflammatory myopathy but may be considered especially in viral or drug induced myopathy. IVIG therapy as the first treatment may also be tried in patients with contraindication for steroids, and in mild myopathy, especially in the elderly, to avoid steroid induced side effects.