Build-up maintenance of IgG serum concentrations with intravenous immunoglobulin in patients with primary humoral immunodeficiency

Abstract

6 patients with antibody deficiency disease had intravenous immunoglobulin substitution and their serum IgG levels were monitored for at least 6 months. After three IgG infusions of 6-12 g each at intervals of 3 or 4 weeks, the IgG serum concentrations were between 300 and 500 mg/dl in 3 patients. In the 3 other patients, higher serum levels were obtained after considerably more IgG infusions given at intervals of 8 days or less. Maintenance of subnormal levels was achieved by replacement of approximately 10 mg/kg body weight/day. In 1 patient, the serum IgG was kept at about 1,000 mg/dl by replacement of 54 mg/kg/day, i.e. by infusions of 9 g every 3-4 days.