Intravenous Immunoglobulin in the Treatment of Hematologic Disorders in Pediatrics

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is pooled immunoglobulin G derived from human blood donors. It was introduced in the early 1980s to treat immunodeficiency disorders. Since then, its use has expanded to other fields such as neurology, rheumatology, and hematology. IVIG has been used to provide passive immunity in qualitative and quantitative immunoglobulin disorders, to neutralize antibodies in immune-mediated diseases, and as an immune modulatory agent. The difficulty of producing IVIG in high quantities, in addition to a growing list of "off-label" indications, has resulted in a worldwide shortage and increase in cost. From a pediatric hematology perspective, IVIG is considered an appropriate therapeutic option in autoimmune cytopenias, sometimes coadministrated with steroids. Its use in other hematologic disorders is questionable, and there is not sufficient evidence to recommend it. This article provides clear information to the general pediatrician about indications for IVIG therapy in children with hematologic disorders. [Pediatr Ann. 2017;46(1):e13-e18.].