Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Assessment of Antibody-based Drugs Effects on Murine Bone Marrow and Peritoneal Macrophage Activation
Published on: December 26, 2017
Intravenous immunoglobulin - indications and mechanisms in cardiovascular diseases
Udi Nussinovitch1, Nussinovitch Udi, Yehuda Shoenfeld
1Department of Medicine B, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel.
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is efficient in various immune mediated conditions. Various cardiovascular diseases are mediated by inflammatory processes and autoimmune mechanisms. Therefore, it seems conceivable to employ IVIG as an immunomodulating therapy in such indications. In this paper we review the possible anti-inflammatory effects of IVIG transfusion, and discuss the possible clinical implications in cardiology. Besides the established use of IVIG in Kawasaki disease, IVIG may be beneficial in some cases of heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, pericardial diseases, neonatal lupus, in the prevention of cardiac rejection following transplantation, and in modulating atherosclerosis. IVIG has been proven to be ineffective in rheumatic fever. Although uncommon, complications may arise including myocardial infarction, renal failure and hyperviscosity. IVIG should be administered based on accepted modes of transfusion.
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is efficient in various immune mediated conditions. Various cardiovascular diseases are mediated by inflammatory processes and autoimmune mechanisms. Therefore, it seems conceivable to employ IVIG as an immunomodulating therapy in such indications. In this paper we review the possible anti-inflammatory effects of IVIG transfusion, and discuss the possible clinical implications in cardiology. Besides the established use of IVIG in Kawasaki disease, IVIG may be beneficial in some cases of heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, pericardial diseases, neonatal lupus, in the prevention of cardiac rejection following transplantation, and in modulating atherosclerosis. IVIG has been proven to be ineffective in rheumatic fever. Although uncommon, complications may arise including myocardial infarction, renal failure and hyperviscosity. IVIG should be administered based on accepted modes of transfusion.
Related Concept Videos
Myocarditis III: Medical Management
Myocarditis IV: Nursing Management
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
Cardiovascular Drugs: Classification based on Therapeutic Indications
Heart Failure Drugs: Inotropic Agents

