Intravenous polyclonal immunoglobulins (IVIG) : what use in transplantation?
Haymann, J.P.; Glotz, D.
Nephrologie 20(3): 139-143
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0250-4960 PMID: 10418003 Document Number: 509790
Intravenous human polyclonal immunoglobulins G (IVIg) were initially used as substitutive therapy for primary and secondary immunodeficiencies then for various autoimmune diseases. More recently they were proposed in organ transplant recipients as they induce a decrease of the anti-HLA antibodies titer in HLA immunized patients. Few retrospective and prospective trials have been performed yet, though they clearly show a beneficial effect of IVIg on kidney graft survival. This paper reviews the different potential mechanisms of action of IVIg their use and potential efficacy in organ transplant recipients.