From the Guidelines
IVIG, or Intravenous Immunoglobulin, is a medication made from antibodies collected from thousands of blood donors, used to treat people with immune systems that aren't working properly, either due to immunodeficiency disorders or autoimmune diseases. It's essentially a concentrated mixture of protective proteins that help your body fight infections and regulate your immune system. When someone receives IVIG, these helpful antibodies are delivered directly into their bloodstream through an IV. This treatment is used for people whose immune systems aren't working properly, either because they can't make enough antibodies themselves (immunodeficiency disorders), or because their immune system is attacking their own body (autoimmune diseases) [ 1 ]. IVIG can also help people with certain inflammatory conditions or infections. The treatment typically takes 2-4 hours per session, and patients might need it regularly (every 3-4 weeks) or just for a short period, depending on their condition. IVIG works by providing ready-made antibodies to fight infections, blocking harmful antibodies in autoimmune conditions, and reducing inflammation throughout the body [ 1 ]. Some of the key benefits of IVIG include:
- Reducing the prevalence of coronary artery abnormalities in Kawasaki disease [ 1 ]
- Improving muscle strength, rash, and activities of daily living in patients with dermatomyositis [ 1 ]
- Providing a generalized anti-inflammatory effect [ 1 ] Side effects can include headache, fever, or chills during infusion, but these are usually manageable by slowing the infusion rate or taking pre-medications like acetaminophen or diphenhydramine [ 1 ]. It's also important to note that IVIG is a biological product made from pooled donor plasma, and potentially important product-manufacturing differences exist, which may affect the efficacy and safety of the treatment [ 1 ]. Overall, IVIG is a valuable treatment option for patients with immune system disorders or autoimmune diseases, and its benefits and risks should be carefully considered by healthcare professionals [ 1 ].
From the Research
Definition and Uses of Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG)
- Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a treatment used for various medical conditions, including chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) 2, 3, 4.
- IVIG has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in several conditions, such as immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), primary immunodeficiency, and Kawasaki disease 3.
- However, most usage of IVIG is for off-label indications, including chronic neuropathy, hypogammaglobulinemia, and myasthenia gravis 3.
Mechanisms of Action
- The mechanisms of action of IVIG are complex and involve modulation of the expression and function of Fc receptors, interference with activation of complement and the cytokine network, and regulation of cell growth 5, 6.
- IVIG can have both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects, depending on the type and stage of maturation of the target cell 5.
Administration and Efficacy
- IVIG can be administered intravenously (IVIg) or subcutaneously (SCIg), with SCIg being a safe and effective alternative option for maintenance treatment of adults with CIDP 4.
- Evidence suggests that IVIg and SCIg have comparable long-term efficacy in CIDP, with SCIg providing additional benefits such as reduced frequency of systemic adverse events and increased patient independence 4.