Treatment of AB deficiencies.

The objective of this study was to compare serum immunoglobulin levels and the clinical status of patients with primary immune deficiency who received an intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) (pH 4.0) preparation for 1 year with results previously obtained when the same patients received intramuscular immunoglobulin (IMIG). During the IVIG treatment year, increased serum immunoglobulin levels, shorter duration of certain infectious disorders, reduced antibiotic use, ans improved rheumatoid symptoms were observed. The actual benefit of IVIG therapy could not be established until after the sixth months, since illness was even further reduced during the second 6 months of treatment. Other clinical observations are evaluated in the 2 groups.