[Humoral immunodeficiencies and their substitution treatment]

Missing antibodies can be effectively and rapidly replaced by injections of immunoglobulins. For practical reasons this method is restricted to prophylaxis, repeated replacements and acute treatment. Provided they are administered at an early stage, small amounts of immunoglobulins are sufficient for prophylaxis or passive immunization. Acute treatment is based on the same principle, but much higher doses are required since it is given late to patients with clinical symptoms. Replacement therapy proper is used in patients who are clearly unable to produce antibodies in sufficient amounts. Regularly repeated administration makes replacement therapy very expensive. Comparisons between different preparations of immunoglobulins indicate that the best are those which are well tolerated by the intravenous route. In our experience, Sandoglobulin fulfills all the clinicians' requirements.