Intravenous immunoglobulin in oncology nursing practice

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a concentrated form of IgG, also known as gamma globulin, that is derived from the pooled serum of a large number of donors. IVIG contains many types of antibacterial and antiviral antibodies. While its use in certain clinical conditions (e.g., severe combined immunodeficiency) is well-established, other indications still are under investigation. Along with nursing implications for use in inpatient and outpatient settings, the role of IVIG in treating immune thrombocytopenic purpura, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, treatment-induced neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, bone marrow transplantation, and AIDS will be discussed.