Intravenous immunoglobulins: pharmacological aspects and therapeutic use

The requirements for a present-day IVIG preparation are outlined. These are mainly: fully preserved activities of the recognition and effector functions of the IgG molecule, a normal subclass distribution, and a normal half-life after infusion. The therapeutic uses of IVIG preparations are discussed as follows: Antibody substitution in cases of generalized or partial antibody deficiency in immune-compromised patients. These include the following diseases: hypogammaglobulinemia (congenital and acquired, including the neonates); drug-induced and viral immunosuppression. Antibody substitution in cases of selective antibody deficiency in otherwise immune-competent patients. These include acute cases of consumptive antibody deficiencies of the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction type; in particular, chronic inflammations which apparently involve ineffective immune responses in which the organism is unable to build up sufficient amounts of antibodies with the required partial specificity, which is indispensable for overcoming the disease. Modulation of the immune system by Ig-Ig interactions (mainly idiotype-anti-idiotype interactions) and Ig-Fc-receptor interactions, as it is known from the RES blockade during IVIG treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.