Therapeutic uses of intravenous gammaglobulin for pediatric infections.

Immunoglobulin plays a critical role in the immune response to many pediatric illnesses. We have just begun to explore the potential uses of IVIG in the prevention and treatment of pediatric diseases. The ability to give large amounts of antibody quickly and with repeated doses will allow physicians to achieve and maintain very high levels of serum antibody. IVIG may be valuable in restoring humoral immune deficiency, treating a number of viral and bacterial infections, and modulating immune responses. It will be important to analyze carefully the effectiveness of IVIG therapy using well-designed, controlled trials and to have specific IVIG preparations with defined activity and high levels of pathogen-specific antibody.