[New indications for gamma globulins].

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IV Ig) has been shown its therapeutic value in primary immunodeficiency diseases associated with a profound impairement of IgG-mediated antibody production. In recent years its range of indications has been extended to some secondary immunodeficiency disorders such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia and children with symptomatic HIV infection IV Ig is also of value in cytomegalovirus infection in transplant recipients. The use of IV Ig in some immunoregulatory disorders, namely immune thrombocytopenic purpura and Kawasaki syndrome has also been proved. Preliminary studies suggests a benefit in myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, polymyositis, chronic demyelinating diseases and steroid dependent asthma. Little is known about the mechanism of action of IV Ig in these immunoregulatory disorders. In sum, IV Ig has a few proved indications and many potential ones. Carefully controlled clinical trials are needed to determine the effectiveness of IV Ig in these conditions.