[High-dose gamma globulin in autoimmune diseases].

The short-term benefit of high-dose intravenous gammaglobulin (IvIgG) in autoimmune diseases is widely accepted in patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Recent studies reported remission or stabilization of the disease in some patients receiving long-term IvIgG therapy. It has been suggested that this long-term effect may be due to antiidiotypic antibodies in IvIgG down-regulating the immune response in chronic ITP. Because of the high costs and the transient effect in most instances, this treatment should not be used routinely. IvIgG may be considered in severely thrombocytopenic patients with chronic ITP who develop serious bleeding.