IVIG May Reverse Symptoms of Down Syndrome Regression Disorder

A new study shows treatment with intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) shows promise for children and young adults with Down syndrome regression disorder (DSRD), a condition in which functioning children and young adults with Down syndrome cease to eat, talk, exercise and perform normal daily functions such as getting dressed and going to the bathroom. According to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) Director of Neuroimmunology Jonathan Santoro, MD, IVIG has not been used for DSRD in the past; however, IVIG in combination with psychotropic medication showed promising results in 80 percent of approximately 120 patients in the CHLA program, which is the largest of its kind in the country.

Dr. Santoro is the lead for a multicenter study on IVIG use in this patient population, which is expected to go to clinical trial in 2022, pending approval by the National Institutes of Health.