Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for the treatment of severe atopic dermatitis.
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is standard therapy for primary immunodeficiencies, Kawasaki Disease and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. More recently, the use of high dose IVIg (2 g/kg in divided doses) has widened to include a number of inflammatory diseases, including atopic eczema. The mechanism of IVIg's anti-inflammatory action has yet to be fully understood. Proposed mechanisms include modulation of IgE responses and a reduction in inflammatory cytokines with a reduction in T-cell proliferation. Antibacterial and antitoxin effects may also play a role.
Lamb
S R
SR
Dermatology Department, Health Waikato, Private Bag 3200, Hamilton, New Zealand.
Rademaker
M
M
D000917:Antibody Formation / Q000187:drug effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007223:Infant
D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous