IVIG Replacement May be Helpful in Immunoglobulin (Ig) G Subclass Deficiency

The efficacy of treating patients who have immunoglobulin (Ig) G subclass deficiency and/or antibody deficiency with Ig-replacement therapy has been debated. There are no clear guidelines.


Antibody function: each antibody binds to a specific antigen; an interaction similar to a lock and key. Image source: Wikipedia.

The authors studied 10 adult patients with recurrent respiratory infections and IgG subclass and/or antibody deficiency.

All patients received monthly Ig IV for 12 months and then were observed for 3 months without IgIV infusions.

Monthly IgIV significantly improved quality of life, decreased the number of infections and the need for antibiotics, and improved IgG subclass and antibody serum levels.

The authors concluded that Ig IV could be beneficial in patients with IgG subclass or antibody deficiency

References:
Efficacy of Intravenous Gammaglobulin for Immunoglobulin G Subclass and/or Antibody Deficiency in Adults. Abdou NI, Greenwell CA, Mehta R, Narra M, Hester JD, Halsey JF. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2009 Feb 12;149(3):267-274.