Intravenous immunoglobulin: use in dermatology.

A manufactured blood product derived from fractionated human plasma, intravenous immunoglobulin (i.v.Ig) contains supra-physiologic levels of IgG. i.v.Ig is currently used in the treatment of immunodeficiency syndromes, inflammatory disorders and infections diseases. Uncontrolled clinical studies and anecdotal case reports recommend its use in dermatology, but randomized clinical trials are lacking. In selecting the most appropriate i.v.Ig for the patient, convenience, efficacy, safety and tolerability of the different products should be considered. With several measures in place to ensure its safety, i.v.Ig offers new hope for the treatment of many severe dermatologic conditions.