Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy: new aspects and outlook

Experiences gathered while exploring the usefulness of intravenous immunoglobulin for children with idiopathic (immune) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) are reviewed in view of further investigations characterizing the effects of IgG i.v. in other immune diseases without detectable antibody deficiency. The most pertinent factors to be considered are i) the heterogeneity of an immune disease investigated; ii) the criteria used to evaluate the effects of the IgG therapy; iii) the IgG preparations used and i.v. dose-fractionation. Controlled, prospective clinical trials will be required to further explore the practical usefulness of IgG i.v.