Generalized Morphea treated with Intravenous Immunoglobulin: A case report and systematic review of literature

Andrei Ghiorghicianu⁽¹⁾, Melania Mitre⁽¹⁾, Madalina-Pusa Rosu^(2,*), Laura Popa⁽³⁾, Cristina Iosif⁽⁴⁾, Denisa Predeteanu⁽²⁾, Narcis Copca⁽⁵⁾

1)University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Bucharest, Romania
2)Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, “Sf. Maria” Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
3)Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, “Sf. Maria” Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
4)Department of Pathology, "Sf. Maria" Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
5)Department of Surgery II, “Sf. Maria” Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania

Generalized Morphea (GM) is a subtype of localized scleroderma with a very rare incidence. Cases that are unresponsive to standard medication represent a difficulty in finding a suitable treatment plan. This case report presents a 35 year old female with a long history of disease (16 years) that is clinically characterized by extensive cutaneous sclerosis and limited joint movement . Multiple therapeutic approaches have been implemented, with modest response regarding disease progression. She associates essential thrombocythemia, that is kept under normal range with hematology specific treatment. The patient begins high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIg) associated with Methotrexate, which shows a promising response.

Keywords: Generalized Morphea, Intravenous Immunoglobulin, Essential Thrombocythemia

Corresponding author(s): Madalina Pusa-Rosu, Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, “Sf. Maria” Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, e-mail: madalina.duna@yahoo.com