What is IVIG and is it helpful for people who have weak immune systems with lupus?
It is normal for the immune system to make antibodies against infections and another name for these antibodies is immune globulin. IVIG stands for intravenous immune globulin, meaning a big dose of antibodies given in the vein as an infusion. There are several roles that these antibodies can play. First, they can protect against infections. Sometimes people with lupus are on immune-suppressing treatments and could use some help to protect against infection. Also, people with lupus sometimes have too much of some kinds of antibodies, called auto-antibodies. This interferes with the healthy regulation of the immune system and can lead to inflammation. It seems that IVIG can actually provide some “regulating” antibodies and calm down an immune system that is causing too much inflammation under certain situations. IVIG is often used for patients who have certain types of lupus manifestations, especially when these do not respond to initial treatments. IVIG might also be used where there ar
