I.v. immune globulin: efficacy and safety.

Experimental studies suggest that IGIV therapy can be highly effective in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in a number of different patient groups. Several intravenous immune globulins are available in the United States (Table 5). For the most part, these preparations are well tolerated, but adverse reactions have been observed. They may be due to a rapid rate of infusion, the presence of circulating immune complexes, or the production of anti-IgA by IgA-deficient individuals. With respect to HIV transmission, clinical experience strongly suggests that IGIV preparations are safe.