Improvement in children with autism treated with intravenous gamma globulin

Abstract

Purpose. Immune dysfunction has been associated with children with autism. One study found a beneficial response of intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG) therapy in autistic children. The present study further evaluated the administration of IVIG to these children.Design. This report shows the response of 26 autistic children who received IVIG over a 6 month period.Materials and methods. In documented autistic children, 400 mg kg−1 IVIG was administered each month for 6 months. Baseline and monthly Aberrant Behavior Checklists were completed on each child in order to measure the child's response to IVIG.Results. The participants' overall aberrant behaviors decreased substantially soon after receiving their first dose of IVIG. Further analysis of the total scores revealed decreases in hyperactivity, inappropriate speech, irritability, lethargy and stereotypy. However, 22 of the 26 children regressed to their pre‐IVIG status within 2–4 months of discontinuing the IVIG.Conclusions. Significant improvement occurr...