IUIS/WHO notice. Appropriate uses of human immunoglobulin in clinical practice.

There is a consensus amongst clinical immunologists that an effort should be made to define, for non-specialists, criteria and indications for administering immunoglobulin (gammaglobulin, immune serum globulin [ISG]) to patients. In addition to the well established immunoglobulin preparations for intramuscular injection, preparations rendered suitable for intravenous administration have recently become available, opening new prospects for the use of this material. The present report has been prepared by members of the Clinical Immunology Committee of the International Union of Immunological Societies in collaboration with the World Health Organization. It aims to delineate current recommendations for the use and dosage of immunoglobulin in the prophylaxis of viral and bacterial infections and in replacement of antibodies in immunodeficient patients. It is a further aim of this report to point out clearly those situations where immunoglobulin is not deemed to be useful or is contraindicated. Inappropriate use of this valuable material results in excessive and unnecessary costs for health services, carries some risk and is wasteful. This report also summarizes current knowledge on adverse reactions to immunoglobulin injections and those qualities which would be most desirable, if not essential, for safe and useful immunoglobulin preparations.