Immunoglobulin Therapy(Intravenous Immunoglobulin [IVIg; IgG])Pronounced: Im-mu-no-glob-u-lin Michael Jubinville, MPH DefinitionImmunoglobulins are special proteins in the blood. They fight infections. Some white blood cells make them. They are also known as antibodies. They are part of the immune system. With immunoglobulin therapy (IVIg), these proteins are donated from a healthy person. They are then given to you through an IV.
Reasons for Procedure TOPIVIg is used to treat problems with the immune system. This can be from:
IVIg can also lower inflammation in the body. This makes the immune system work better. Possible Complications TOPProblems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems such as:
What to Expect TOPPrior to ProcedureYou don't need to do anything special. The solution is tested for viruses, diseases, or infections. Description of the ProcedureConcentrated immunoglobulin antibodies will be collected from a healthy person. They are added to a germ-free solution. An IV needle will be placed into a vein in your arm. The solution is in a bag. It hangs above and next to you. It then drains through a tube and into the vein. How Long Will It Take? TOPAbout 5-6 hours Will It Hurt? TOPThere may be a slight sting when the IV is placed. Post-procedure Care TOPThe site where the IV was put in may become irritated. You should check with your doctor if this happens. You may start to feel better in 1 to 2 days. For some people, it can take up to 3 to 4 weeks. IVIg is done in cycles. How many times you need it depends on what types of problems you have. Call Your Doctor TOPCall your doctor if any of these occur:
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away. RESOURCES:American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association https://www.aarda.org National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases https://www.niaid.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian AIDS Society https://www.cdnaids.ca HealthLink BC https://www.healthlinkbc.ca References:
IgG deficiency. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115169/IgG-deficiency
. Updated November 18, 2015. Accessed August 21, 2018.
Immunoglobulin (IgG) replacement therapy. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology website. Available at: https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-dictionary/immunoglobulin-(IgG)-replacement-therapy. Accessed August 21, 2018. Immunoglobulin therapy & other medical therapies for antibody deficiencies. Immune Deficiency Foundation website. Available at: https://primaryimmune.org/treatment-information/immunoglobulin-therapy. Accessed August 21, 2018. Last reviewed May 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Marcin Chwistek, MD Last Updated: 8/21/2018 | |
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