What Are the Medical Uses of Intravenous Immunoglobulin?
Some people have a disease that may need intermittent or long-term treatment. Infusion therapy can enhance your overall health and can provide you with treatment that can be life-sustaining. Immunoglobulin is increasingly recognized as a treatment of a variety of medical conditions. The appropriate use of immunoglobulin can be life-saving. However, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is prepared from the serum of between 1000 and 15,000 donors per batch and may have side effects. Due to finite supply, possible adverse events, it is important for clinicians prescribing immunoglobulin to be familiar with current clinical indications and levels of evidence in support of its use in these conditions.
Why do I need IVIG?
IVIG is used primarily in two situations. One reason you might need IVIG is if your body does not make enough antibodies. Another name for this is immunodeficiency. The IVIG simply provides extra antibodies that your body cannot make on its own. A second reason you might need IVIG is if your immune system has started attacking your body’s normal cells. In this second case, it is not completely known how the IVIG works. Experts believe it does a combination of things, including preventing the abnormal antibodies directed against your own cells from working and preventing immune cells from being as active.How is IVIG given?
IVIG is typically given via an IV infusion about once every 4 to 6 weeks. Of course this can vary depending on your doctor’s orders. The infusion times for IVIG vary widely according to what other medications are being given and how your body tolerates them. You should ask your doctor how long these other medications will take.Are there any side effects to infusions?
Side effects can develop with any intravenous infusion. Some side effects can be reduced by premedication with certain medicines. Please check with your doctor to receive a complete list of the side effects of the medications that have been prescribed for you. He or she will choose treatments to minimize your risk.| Primary and secondary antibody deficiency states | Primary immunodeficiencies Thymoma with immunodeficiency HSC transplant in primary immunodeficiencies Specific antibody deficiency |
|---|---|
| Haematology | Alloimmune thrombocytopenia (feto-maternal/neonatal) Haemolytic disease of the newborn Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) – acute and persistent |
| Neurology | Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (acute) Guillain–Barré syndrome Paraprotein-associated demyelinating neuropathy |
| Others | Kawasaki disease Toxic epidermal necrolysis |