High dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for rheumatic diseases: clinical relevance and personal experience.

The actual efficacy and applicability of high dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy in the rheumatic disorders is still being debated. In the last few years clinical results have become available on a large number of patients, and efforts have been devoted to experimental studies of the mechanism of action of IVIG. However, the results of controlled clinical trials will be crucial to indicate stricter guidelines and directions for future clinical and experimental research. IVIG is of major value in Kawasaki disease and in severe lupus-associated thrombocytopenia. Its possible benefits are also remarkable in refractory dermatomyositis and probably in some patients with the antiphospholipid syndrome and recurrent miscarriages despite standard treatment. At present, the role of IVIG therapy remains controversial in lupus nephritis and in systemic vasculitis, while it does not seem to be effective in rheumatoid arthritis.