Intravenous immunoglobulin consensus statement.

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) preparations are a mainstay for a number of disorders that include primary immuno-deficiency, acute inflammatory conditions, hematological disorders, infections, and neuroimmunological disorders. The range of therapeutic activity is attributed to IVIG's myriad action mechanisms. IVIG can interact and bind onto complement factors, which can prevent complement-mediated tissue damage, modulate T-lymphocytes, alter cytokine profiles, and modulate the immune system. These interactions can act alone or in combination to maintain immune balance while preserving homeostasis. A consensus panel was convened in 2000 to evaluate and define new advances in IVIG therapies.