intravenous immunoglobulin
Quick Summary
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a therapeutic preparation containing antibodies, primarily IgG, derived from the pooled blood plasma of numerous donors. It is administered intravenously to treat various conditions, including immunodeficiency, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory conditions such as severe combined immunodeficiency and Guillain-Barré syndrome.1
Antibodies are protective proteins produced by the immune system in response to foreign substances called antigens. These antibodies recognize and bind to antigens, helping to neutralize or eliminate them from the body. IVIG essentially provides a concentrated dose of these protective antibodies, bolstering the body's defense against infections and other immune-related issues.21
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