Intravenous gammaglobulin for immunodeficiency: report from The European Group for Immunodeficiencies (EGID)

Abstract

Physicians treating patients with antibody deficiency now have a choice between intravenous (IVIG) and intramuscular immunoglobulin therapy. The published comparative trials suggest that (IVIG) is superior, and this is supported by numerous anecdotal observations. Reactions during infusions are no longer a major problem, but there is concern over the transmission of viruses, particularly those causing non-A non-B hepatitis. Having solved the technical difficulties of bulk manufacture of IgG concentrates for intravenous use, our attention should now be directed towards preventing viral contamination by both modifying the manufacturing processes and screening the donors for evidence of disease.