Rapid responses are electronic comments to the editor. They enable our users
to debate issues raised in articles published on bmj.com. A rapid response
is first posted online. If you need the URL (web address) of an individual
response, simply click on the response headline and copy the URL from the
browser window. A proportion of responses will, after editing, be published
online and in the print journal as letters, which are indexed in PubMed.
Rapid responses are not indexed in PubMed and they are not journal articles.
The BMJ reserves the right to remove responses which are being
wilfully misrepresented as published articles or when it is brought to our
attention that a response spreads misinformation.
From March 2022, the word limit for rapid responses will be 600 words not
including references and author details. We will no longer post responses
that exceed this limit.
The word limit for letters selected from posted responses remains 300 words.
I am a 43 year old male who was diagnosed with CIDP in the first
quarter of 2005. I was prescribed aggressive IVIG therapy, as well as a
regimen of other meds, such as, prednisone, neurontin, and amitrpitilyne.
The IVIG treatments which began with as many as five treatments a month
were tapered off to one treatment monthly, and I received the last
treatment in September 2005.
By October 2005 I began to experience an intense extremely pruritic
skin condition. This began on my upper arms and was also present on both
feet. There were no visible signs at either location initially. The
scratching that ensued caused me to develope bumps and sores, and the
condition spread to my chest, back, buttocks, arms, shoulders and feet.
The IVIG was suspended and I was referred to a Dermatologist. The
Dermatologist performed three skin punch biopsies and pathology reported
that the condition appeared to be folliculitis-like.
I was treated for both types of folliculitis with no improvement.
The Dermatologist finally referred me back to the referring Neurologist
stating that the condition must be part of the original neurological
ailment and not a dermatological condition; that the raised bumps,
pustules, or whatever they are called were caused from excessive
scratching.
I have suffered with this itchy skin condition for over a year now.
It has caused great discomfort in my life, insomnia, depression etc. I
have been told by several doctors that the IVIG treatments could not be
the cause of this condition, yet I continually find similar reports and
case scenarios on the internet. I am miserable with no hope or relief in
sight. I would not recommend IVIG therapy for anyone.
Folliculitis-like extremely pruritic skin condition resulting from IVIG treatments
I am a 43 year old male who was diagnosed with CIDP in the first
quarter of 2005. I was prescribed aggressive IVIG therapy, as well as a
regimen of other meds, such as, prednisone, neurontin, and amitrpitilyne.
The IVIG treatments which began with as many as five treatments a month
were tapered off to one treatment monthly, and I received the last
treatment in September 2005.
By October 2005 I began to experience an intense extremely pruritic
skin condition. This began on my upper arms and was also present on both
feet. There were no visible signs at either location initially. The
scratching that ensued caused me to develope bumps and sores, and the
condition spread to my chest, back, buttocks, arms, shoulders and feet.
The IVIG was suspended and I was referred to a Dermatologist. The
Dermatologist performed three skin punch biopsies and pathology reported
that the condition appeared to be folliculitis-like.
I was treated for both types of folliculitis with no improvement.
The Dermatologist finally referred me back to the referring Neurologist
stating that the condition must be part of the original neurological
ailment and not a dermatological condition; that the raised bumps,
pustules, or whatever they are called were caused from excessive
scratching.
I have suffered with this itchy skin condition for over a year now.
It has caused great discomfort in my life, insomnia, depression etc. I
have been told by several doctors that the IVIG treatments could not be
the cause of this condition, yet I continually find similar reports and
case scenarios on the internet. I am miserable with no hope or relief in
sight. I would not recommend IVIG therapy for anyone.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests