Normal Immunoglobulins
Normal intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) preparations are used in the treatment of patients who have no, or very low levels of, antibody production. This may be due to a genetic disorder, to disease, or to treatment such as chemotherapy.
Click here for further information on Normal Immunoglobulin
Primary Antibody Deficiency (PAD)
This results from the failure of the immune system to produce sufficient antibodies to fight infection. The most common types of PAD are:
- Common Variable Immuno-deficiency (CVID) which affects males and females equally, with low levels of all immunoglobulin classes.
- IgG subclass immunodeficiency where one or more of the 4 main IgG subclasses are absent or deficient.
- Selective IgA deficiency when IgA antibodies alone are deficient.
- X-linked Antibody Deficiency (X-LA) which is also known as Bruton’s Disease. This is an inherited condition in which the body fails to produce the cells that make antibodies. While this condition affects males only, females, however, act as carriers, and may pass the condition to male children.
Primary Immunodeficiency Association: A national support group for people with immune system disorders. Includes factsheets, helpline and literature.
www.pia.org.uk
Intravenous immunoglobulin and you
Information on the condition, who it affects, and who to contact for more information.
Secondary Antibody Deficiency (SAD)
SAD is a shortage or complete lack of antibodies which results from the effects of another illness (i.e. not genetic). As for PAD, treatment with IVIG boosts antibody levels, allowing patients to fight infection efficiently. Regular doses of IVIG are needed as long as the condition persists.
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
This is a disease which results in a shortage of platelets. Low levels of platelets can result in bleeding problems. In children, ITP appears for no obvious reason and usually goes away within a few weeks without treatment. In adults, ITP is less likely to arise spontaneously and is usually associated with a separate disease affecting the immune system. Spontaneous remission is less likely with adults and, if platelet counts fall very low or there are bleeding tendencies, then treatment may be needed. IVIG may be used because it blocks the normal breakdown of platelets by the spleen.
Link to the ITP Support website
www.itpsupport.org.uk
Link to the ITP Support website
www.itpsupport.org.uk
Coping with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
Information on the condition, who it affects, and who to contact for more information.
Kawasaki Disease
This is thought to follow an infectious disease and mainly appears in children, resulting in inflammation of the blood vessels and other tissues, such as heart muscle. About 25% of affected children develop heart problems during the later stages of the illness. A high dose of IVIG given early in the course of the disease in conjunction with aspirin can prevent coronary artery damage. The mode of action of IVIG in this condition is not understood, but it is extremely effective.
Coping with Kawasaki disease
Information on the condition, who it affects, and who to contact for more information.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)
CLL is a disease that prevents B-cells from working properly. B-cells are the cells which produce antibodies, so patients with CLL often lack sufficient antibodies to fight infection. As with other antibody deficiency conditions, regular doses of IVIG are needed to maintain antibody levels high enough to protect against infection.
Coping with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)
Information on the condition, who it affects, and who to contact for more information.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
GBS is a short-term (acute) inflammation of the nerves that control the arms and legs. Although the exact cause of GBS is not fully understood, it often follows an infectious disease, e.g. of the gastro-intestinal tract. It is known that the symptoms are caused by the patient's own antibodies attacking the nerves to the limbs. The damage caused by the antibodies accounts for the tingling and short term paralysis symptomatic of GBS. IVIG can be used in the treatment of this condition, the wide variety of antibodies infused helping to cancel the effect of the nerve-damaging antibodies.
Coping with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
Information on the condition, who it affects, and who to contact for more information.
For further information, please contact your GP.
