[Effects and side effects of intravenous gamma globulin I: the problem of immune complex formation]

Abstract

This is an original contribution to the side effects of i.v. gamma globulin in patients with immunodeficiency. 73 therapies were carried out, 9 patients suffered from partially life-threatening complications. All side effects were fully reversible and occurred during the transition from antigenaemia to antibody-excess. Immunecomplexes could be quantified and C4 decreased. In view of these results we have modified our protocol giving 5 S prior to 7 S. No further complication was seen in the following 148 therapies. Hence we can conclude, that at least some complications of the i.v. gamma globulin-therapy is due to the formation of immunecomplexes and can be prevented by the application of 5 S prior to 7 S.