What are Human Immunoglobulins?

Human immunoglobulins, also known as intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), are blood products made from pools of plasma collected from thousands of healthy donors. They contain antibodies (immunoglobulins) against various pathogens. IVIG is processed in a way to remove or inactivate potential viruses and other agents that cause infections. The antibodies present in IVIG can provide passive immunity against various infections in individuals with immune deficiencies or immunocompromised conditions.

Use of IVIG in Various Medical Conditions

IVIG has been approved for use in certain immune deficiency conditions like agammaglobulinemia and common variable immunodeficiency, in which individuals lack sufficient antibodies against various infections. It is also used for some autoimmune conditions like immune thrombocytopenic purpura, Kawasaki disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Human Immunoglobulin (pH4) for Intravenous Injection is beneficial for patients undergoing bone marrow or organ transplants to reduce the risk of postoperative infections. It also finds use in some dermatological conditions like epidermolysis bullosa and pemphigus vulgaris as adjuvant therapy. IVIG is tried in some neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and myasthenia gravis but with variable results.

Production and Processing of IVIG Products

Plasma is collected from thousands of healthy donors and screened for transfusion-transmitted infections like HIV, hepatitis, West Nile virus etc. The plasma pools are treated with solvent/detergent to inactivate enveloped viruses. The immunoglobulins are then purified by fractionation or chromatography methods. The purified immunoglobulin fraction is further processed through viral filtration and nanofiltration methods to remove or inactivate potential viruses. The final IVIG product has a neutral pH of about 4-5 and contains mainly IgG with trace amounts of IgA. Each batch of IVIG undergoes rigorous safety and sterility testing before release.

Administration and Side Effects of IVIG

IVIG is administered through slow intravenous infusion, usually over 4-8 hours, depending on individual tolerance. Close monitoring is required during infusion for potential side effects. Common mild side effects observed are headache, nausea, fever, chills, fatigue and vomiting. More severe but rare side effects include anaphylactic reactions, aseptic meningitis, renal impairment, thromboembolism and hemolysis. Slow infusion and use of pre-medications helps reduce infusion-related reactions. IVIG is generally well tolerated by most patients when administered under guidance of a trained healthcare professional.

In summary, Human Immunoglobulin (pH4) for Intravenous Injection has been a life-saving treatment for certain immune deficiencies and critical care conditions. With strict pathogen safety standards adopted by manufacturers and cautious clinical use, IVIG therapy significantly improves quality of life in a number of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.