Immunoglobulin Therapy

(Intravenous Immunoglobulin [IVIg; IgG])

Pronounced: Im-mu-no-glob-u-lin

by Diana Kohnle

Definition

Immunoglobulins are special proteins in the blood that fight infections. Some of our white blood cells make them. They are also known as antibodies. Antibodies are important for the immune system. In immunoglobulin therapy (IVIg), extra immunoglobulins from a donor are injected into your blood.

Immune System

Reasons for Procedure TOP

It is used to treat disorders of the immune system, such as:

Autoimmune disease—the body begins to attack its own cells
Immunodeficiency—low-functioning immune system
Inflammatory diseases
Other diseases that weaken the immune system

IVIg can also reduce inflammation in the body. Some conditions, including acute infections, may need IVIg to restore antibodies and boost the immune system.

Possible Complications TOP

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have IVIg, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

Headache
Infection
Fluid in the lungs
Damage to the kidneys
Blood clots
Allergic reaction to the IVIg

What to Expect TOP

Prior to Procedure

No special instructions are given prior to the procedure. Before the solution is given, it is closely screened for any viruses, diseases, or infections.

Description of the Procedure

Concentrated immunoglobulin antibodies will be collected from a healthy individual. These antibodies are added to a sterile solution.

An IV needle will be inserted into a vein in your arm. The combined solution will be delivered from a hanging bag through the IV to your vein.

How Long Will It Take? TOP

About 5-6 hours

Will It Hurt? TOP

The procedure is not painful. There may be some minor discomfort as the IV is inserted into the skin.

Post-procedure Care TOP

The site where the IV was put in may become irritated. You should check with your doctor if this happens.

You may begin to see an improvement in your original symptoms as soon as 24-48 hours following the procedure. For some, it may be 3-4 weeks before an improvement is seen.

Immunoglobulin therapy is usually done in cycles. For an infection or other immune system deficiency, therapy is usually recommended every 3-4 weeks. If you have a neurological or autoimmune disease, therapy is given for 5 days a month for 3-6 months. Following the initial therapy, maintenance therapy is given every 3-4 weeks.

Call Your Doctor TOP

As with the introduction of any foreign substance or chemical to the body, the possibility of allergic reaction exists. If you experience any of the following symptoms of anaphylactic shock (severe allergic reaction), you should call the doctor right away:

Wheezing and/or difficulty breathing
Confusion
Slurred or abnormal speech
Rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations, weak or rapid pulse
Blue tint to the skin, lips, or fingernails
Lightheadedness or feeling faint
Hives, rash, or itching
Anxiety
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal cramping
Cough or nasal congestion
Reddened skin

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

RESOURCES:

American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association
http://www.aarda.org

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
http://www.niaid.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian AIDS Society
http://www.cdnaids.ca

HealthLink BC
http://www.healthlinkbc.ca

References:

Darabi, K, Abdel-Wahab, O, et al. Current usage of intravenous immune globulin and the rationale behind it: The Massachusetts General Hospital data and a review of the literature. Transfusion. 2006; 46:741.

Emerson GG, Herndon CN, et al. Pharmacotherapy. 2002;22(12):1638-1641.

Misbah SA, Chapel HM. Adverse effects of intravenous immunoglobulin. Drug Saf. 1993;9(4):254-262.

Nydegger UE. Safety and side effects of IV immunoglobulin therapy. Clin Exp Rheum. 1996;14(suppl 15):S53-57.

Orange, JS, Hossny, EM, et al. Use of intravenous immunoglobulin in human disease: A review of evidence by members of the Primary Immunodeficiency Committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006; 117:S525.

Sherer Y, Levy Y, et al. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy of antiphospholipid syndrome. Rheumatology. 2000;39:421-426. Available at
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Accessed May 29, 2015.

Last reviewed June 2016 by Marcin Chwistek, MD
Last Updated: 5/29/2015

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