i.v.IG for autoimmune, fibrosis, and malignant conditions: our experience with 200 patients.

Intravenous immunoglobin (i.v.IG) is generated from the plasma of more than 10,000 healthy subjects. Originally i.v.IG was employed to supplement the missing Igs in subjects with immune-deficiencies. Later on it was given successfully to patients with autoimmune conditions, in some of which the benefits were confirmed by double blind studies (i.e.polymyositis), while in others remarkable case reports and series of patients have alluded to its beneficial effects. Especially when conventional therapies failed. Recently, due to multiple mechanisms, i.v.IG was found to be useful in reducing collagen deposition (i.e.scleroderma) and to prevent metastatic spread. When given properly (not more than 0.4 g/Kg. B.W. 5 day), side effects are minimal. Yet, its high price (> 3000 US dollars per monthly course) precludes the application of i.v.IG more frequently.