Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Assessment of Antibody-based Drugs Effects on Murine Bone Marrow and Peritoneal Macrophage Activation
Published on: December 26, 2017
Use of intravenous immunoglobulin in critically ill patients
Summer Donovan1, Gonzalo M L Bearman
1Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellow, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, VCU Sanger Hall 12-041, P.O. Box 980163, Richmond, VA, 23298-0163, USA, sdonovan@mcvh-vcu.edu.
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been suggested for the treatment of many ailments due to its ability to modulate the immune system and to provide passive immunity to commonly circulating pathogens. Its use as primary and adjunctive therapy for the treatment of conditions affecting critically ill patients is an attractive option, especially when alternative therapy does not exist. The body of literature on the use of IVIG for the treatment of several serious conditions, including sepsis, toxic shock syndrome, acute myocarditis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and H1N1 influenza, were reviewed. Despite advances in treatment of these conditions since they were first described, there remains a paucity of well-designed studies on the use of IVIG for their treatment. Therefore, the use of IVIG for treatment of these conditions remains controversial.
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been suggested for the treatment of many ailments due to its ability to modulate the immune system and to provide passive immunity to commonly circulating pathogens. Its use as primary and adjunctive therapy for the treatment of conditions affecting critically ill patients is an attractive option, especially when alternative therapy does not exist. The body of literature on the use of IVIG for the treatment of several serious conditions, including sepsis, toxic shock syndrome, acute myocarditis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and H1N1 influenza, were reviewed. Despite advances in treatment of these conditions since they were first described, there remains a paucity of well-designed studies on the use of IVIG for their treatment. Therefore, the use of IVIG for treatment of these conditions remains controversial.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Acute Kidney Injury VI: Nursing Management
Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
Acute Kidney Injury I: Introduction
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV
Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care

