Historic aspects of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy

Article Abstract:

In August, 1990 the 15th International Cancer Congress was held in Hamburg, Germany. The American Cancer Society used this opportunity to host a satellite symposium at which researchers discussed the use of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in medical treatment. Immunoglobulins, the protein molecules sometimes called simply ''antibodies,'' have been used in medical treatment for over 100 years. Long before the biochemical details of the immune response were well understood, medical researchers learned about passive immunity. Active immunity is when a person develops immunity after being vaccinated or after recovering from an illness. The antibodies in such a person can be injected into another. The immunity achieved by the recipient is passive immunity, and will subside quickly as the antibody molecules are slowly turned over in the bloodstream. Early in this century, physicians used passive immunization in the treatment of bacterial infections, most notably infections such as diphtheria and tetanus, in which a bacterial toxin, against which survivors develop many antibodies, causes serious disease. The early treatments with immunoglobulin were likely to cause allergic reactions, and could not be injected intravenously because of the tendency of the immunoglobulins to clump. However, great strides have been made in the preparation of immunoglobulins for intravenous therapy. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is now used in the treatment of antibody deficiency diseases. These may be primary immunodeficiency diseases such as severe combined immunodeficiency. However, IVIG may also be used in the treatment of immunodeficiency that results from the progression of certain malignant diseases such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia. IVIG may be used to protect premature infants, whose immune systems have not had time to fully develop. It is also proving effective in the treatment of some autoimmune disorders. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, History, Immunotherapy, Intravenous therapy, Antibodies, Gamma globulins

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Self-infusion with immunoglobulin at home

Article Abstract:

Immunoglobulins (antibodies) are special proteins that are made by the immune system, the body's natural defense system for fighting infection. They play an important role in the destruction of invading microorganisms that enter the body. Hypogammaglobulinemia is a rare disorder that is caused by abnormally low levels of circulating immunoglobulins in the blood. This reduction in the number of antibodies in the blood decreases the ability to fight infection. It is associated with an increased susceptibility to infection with pus-forming bacteria. The standard treatment involves injections of immunoglobulins directly into the blood. The side effects of this treatment are minimal, and patients are now able to give the injections themselves (self-infusion) in the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need for going to the hospital. The practice of self-infusion of immunoglobulins was started in 1986 and training programs to show the patients how to perform the infusion are provided. These programs usually take two to three days to teach the necessary information. In order to be eligible to participate in the self-infusion program, the patient must have been receiving infusions at a local medical facility for at least six months without having any adverse reactions to the treatment. Also, it is important for the patient to have good veins that can be infused easily, have good hand coordination, and a good understanding of the disease and its treatment. It is important for the patient to remain in close contact with nurses or doctors in case an emergency occurs. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Usage, Infusion therapy, Agammaglobulinemia

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