Indications and safety of intravenous and subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy

Abstract

Immunoglobulin (Ig) therapy is an important method of treatment for a number of immunological, hematological, neurological and dermatological disorders. Over the years, the range of indications in which Ig therapy, either replacement or immunomodulatory, is effective has substantially increased. Although Ig therapy was originally limited to intramuscular injection, intravenous infusion has became the most frequent route of administration, followed by subcutaneous injection. This article presents current information on indications, mechanisms of action, efficacy and practical aspects of intravenous and subcutaneous Ig replacement/immunomodulatory therapy as well as associated adverse reactions.

Keywords::

• adverse effects
• efficacy
• immunoglobulin as immunomodulatory therapy
• immunoglobulin as replacement therapy
• indication

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This work was supported in part by a grant from Tehran University of Medical Sciences (89-04-30-12253). Hans D Ochs has received research support from CSL Behring. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Notes

IVIg: Intravenous immunoglobulin.

Data from [301].