The use of i.v. IG therapy in dermatology

Authors: Fernandez, AnthonyP¹; Kerdel, FranciscoA²

Source: Dermatologic Therapy, Volume 20, Number 4, July 2007 , pp. 288-305(18)

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Abstract:

The intravenous administration of exogenous pooled human immunoglobulin (i.v. IG) was originally licensed as antibody replacement therapy in patients with primary immunodeficiencies and there are currently six FDA-approved uses for this agent. Despite a current lack of FDA approval, off-label treatment of a multitude of dermatologic disorders with i.v. IG has shown exciting potential for this unique treatment modality. The diseases successfully treated with i.v. IG include autoimmune bullous diseases, connective tissue diseases, vasculitides, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and infectious disorders (such as streptococcal toxic shock syndrome). Currently the biggest drawback in the consideration of i.v. IG therapy in dermatologic disorders is the lack of randomized controlled trials. Nevertheless, there is a significant body of evidence demonstrating the efficacy of i.v. IG in patients with dermatologic disorders that are resistant to treatment with standard agents. In summary, i.v. IG constitutes a valuable and potentially life-saving agent in managing patients with a variety of dermatologic disorders under the appropriate circumstances.

Keywords: autoimmune mucocutaneous bullous diseases; dermatomyositis; intravenous human immunoglobulin (i.v. IG); toxic epidermal necrolysis; vasculitis

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1529-8019.2007.00142.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Unversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, 2: Cedars Medical Center, Miami, Florida

Publication date: 2007-07-01