How does IVIG reduce the severity of COVID-19? Is there a parallel to Covid boosters?
How does IVIG reduce the severity of COVID-19? Is there a parallel to Covid boosters?
What is the mechanism of short term benefit with covid vaccines?
How does IVIG reduce the severity of COVID-19? Is there a parallel to Covid boosters?
What is Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG)?
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a medication made from human blood plasma that contains a high concentration of antibodies. IVIG is used to treat a variety of health conditions through modulation of the immune system, including autoimmune disorders, primary immunodeficiencies, and some infectious diseases.
IVIG works by providing the body with additional antibodies that help fight off infections and other diseases. It can also help regulate the immune system by blocking the action of certain antibodies that contribute to autoimmune disorders.
The indications for IVIG can be classified informally into a few broad categories based on the mechanism of action and the type of conditions they treat. They are as follows:
As a replacement therapy in immunodeficiencies.
For immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory therapy, (a) Immunomodulation in haematological and organ-specific autoimmune disorders (b) Anti-inflammatory in rheumatic inflammatory conditions, infectious and neurological disorders.
As a hyperimmune therapy against specific infectious agents.
Arumugham, Vijay B., and Appaji Rayi. "Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)." StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing, 2021.
There has been some evidence of benefit in severe COVID-19
Xiang, Huai-rong, et al. "Efficacy of IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) for corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A meta-analysis." International immunopharmacology 96 (2021): 107732.