[Intravenous gamma globulins (i.v.IG) in the treatment and prevention of virus infections]

Abstract

Active research is currently underway to determine the role of intravenous administration of IgG (i.v.Ig) in preventing and treating viral infections (CMV, HIV, RSV, EB, ECHO, adeno). These studies strongly suggest that immunoglobulin therapy may be beneficial in renal and bone marrow transplant patients to prevent or treat in CMV infections. Intravenous gamma globulins appears to be effective not only reducing the overall prevalence of coronary artery abnormalities in Kawasaki disease but, more important, in preventing the formation of giant aneurysms, the most serious form of coronary abnormality after this illness. However role of intravenous immunoglobulin in AIDS and in other viral diseases remains controversial. There are also dates that the high doses i.v.Ig in specific clinical situations may present certain adverse effects.