[Intravenous immunoglobulins: therapeutic indications]

Presse Med. 2005 Sep 24;34(16 Pt 1):1166-75. doi: 10.1016/s0755-4982(05)84144-2.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) are preparations of normal human IgG obtained from large pools of healthy blood donors. IVIg can be used at low doses to treat patients with primary or secondary immune deficiencies and at high doses as an immunomodulatory agent in many autoimmune and systemic inflammatory diseases, especially hematologic and neurologic diseases. Its mechanisms of action are multiple, complex, and not yet well elucidated. Adverse effects are only rarely associated with IVIg. They are well tolerated, and the risk of transmission of infectious agents appears only theoretical.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / pharmacology
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use*
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • Infection Control
  • Infections / drug therapy
  • Inflammation / drug therapy

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous