EAMom-this one's for you

[JAG10]

Hi EAMom,

 

Buster has been very helpful w/questions, but now I have one for you... This is a copy of a post you wrote about a year ago...

 

4/2009:

Hi ChrisW,

Buster and I have been wondering if doing a steroid burst shortly before IVIG actually makes the IVIG more effective so it is interesting that you did the burst just before IVIG. In other words, do the kids that get a steroid burst in the 1-3 weeks preceding IVIG have a better outcome from the IVIG vs. kids that don't have the burst (or have the burst many months b-4 IVIG).

Sooooo, my question is...what did you ever determine? Is there a correlation between success of IVIG and a recent (within a couple weeks) prednisone burst? Also, I see benedryl mentioned often w/ivig; what is it for?

[peglem]

Hi EAMom,

 

Buster has been very helpful w/questions, but now I have one for you... This is a copy of a post you wrote about a year ago...

 

4/2009:

Hi ChrisW,

Buster and I have been wondering if doing a steroid burst shortly before IVIG actually makes the IVIG more effective so it is interesting that you did the burst just before IVIG. In other words, do the kids that get a steroid burst in the 1-3 weeks preceding IVIG have a better outcome from the IVIG vs. kids that don't have the burst (or have the burst many months b-4 IVIG).

Sooooo, my question is...what did you ever determine? Is there a correlation between success of IVIG and a recent (within a couple weeks) prednisone burst? Also, I see benedryl mentioned often w/ivig; what is it for?

Oooh, I like that question! Can I add one, pertaining to the benedril? Benedril makes my daughter kinda ragey, is it still recommended pre IVIG? Its been several years since we've given her any.

[Joan Pandas Mom]

Same here. My son hasn't had Benadryl for about 8 or 9 years--it makes him crazy. Dr. K told me not to worry, they won't be giving him any for his upcoming IVIG.

[peglem]

Same here. My son hasn't had Benadryl for about 8 or 9 years--it makes him crazy. Dr. K told me not to worry, they won't be giving him any for his upcoming IVIG.

I wonder if I should try it again just to check before the IVIG...can I stand one more crazy episode? I wonder how big a difference it makes- whether it would be worth it or not.

[Stephanie2]

Our doctor only gives benedryl to calm the child down if we think he will be too hysterical to insert the IV, etc. I don't think it has anything to do with the treatment. So, in all of your cases that would not be a good idea :-)

 

Stephanie

[EAMom]

Hi EAMom,

 

Buster has been very helpful w/questions, but now I have one for you... This is a copy of a post you wrote about a year ago...

 

4/2009:

Hi ChrisW,

Buster and I have been wondering if doing a steroid burst shortly before IVIG actually makes the IVIG more effective so it is interesting that you did the burst just before IVIG. In other words, do the kids that get a steroid burst in the 1-3 weeks preceding IVIG have a better outcome from the IVIG vs. kids that don't have the burst (or have the burst many months b-4 IVIG).

Sooooo, my question is...what did you ever determine? Is there a correlation between success of IVIG and a recent (within a couple weeks) prednisone burst? Also, I see benedryl mentioned often w/ivig; what is it for?

 

 

Hi Jag....

 

Nope...I never figured this out. We did do steroids about 1 mo. b-4 IVIG and it did help get the CaM kinase ll down.

 

RE. benedryl. I'm pretty sure this is a pre-cautionary thing since some people can get a (allergic?) reaction to IVIG (rash is mentioned). Here's a quote from this link http://www.cidpusa.org/P/ivig.htm

 

6. What are the common side effects OF IVIG?

 

Some times patients get a headache after IVIg which is more common in females with a history of Migraines or SLE. Patients may experience fatigue similar to getting a Flu, which is due to antibodies interaction. Some patients get a rash after IVIg and it is recommended they take Benadryl or even steroids to avoid this. Remember their are a lot of antibodies in IVIg and some may result in odd reactions. After IVIg if odd symptoms are seen then use of steroids usually helps. Some people experience changes in blood pressure and others may have a severe headache called aseptic meningitis.

 

I would think those that don't tolerate benedryl could take some other type of anti-histamine...chlorphenerimine, or even one of the non-sedating anti-histamines (although benedryl is supposed to be stronger).

Edited April 30, 2010 by EAMom