IVIG therapy, or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, is a type of medical treatment that is used to treat a variety of conditions that involve the immune system. IVIG therapy is used to boost the immune system, as it is made of antibodies from healthy donors that can help fight a wide variety of diseases, infections, and conditions. It is usually used to treat conditions that involve chronic inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and immunodeficiencies.
Conditions Treated with IVIG Therapy
IVIG therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
* Immunodeficiency disorders, such as primary immunodeficiency (PID) or secondary immunodeficiency (SID), which are characterized by a weakened immune system.
* Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and Sjogren's syndrome, which are characterized by an overactive immune system that attacks healthy tissue.
* Neurological disorders, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), and myasthenia gravis, which are characterized by inflammation of the nerves.
* Infectious diseases, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS, which are characterized by a viral infection.
* Cancers, such as lymphoma and multiple myeloma, which are characterized by abnormal cell growth.
* Blood disorders, such as hemophilia and von Willebrand disease, which are characterized by a deficiency in clotting factors.
How Does IVIG Therapy Work?
IVIG therapy works by boosting the body’s immune system. It is made of antibodies from healthy donors that can help fight a wide variety of diseases, infections, and conditions. It is typically administered through a vein, often over several hours or days. During the treatment, the patient’s blood is drawn, treated with a special solution to make it compatible with the donor antibodies, and then infused back into the patient’s body.
Side Effects of IVIG Therapy
IVIG therapy can cause a variety of side effects, including nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, chills, muscle aches, and rash. Patients may also experience a decrease in platelet count, which can lead to bruising and bleeding. Additionally, patients may experience a decrease in white blood cell count, which can lead to an increased risk of infection. It is important to discuss the potential side effects with your doctor before beginning IVIG therapy.