Immune Globulins and Autism Ranking:

Key Features

Immunoglobulins are proteins derived from human blood plasma. The plasma, processed from donated human blood, contains antibodies that protect the body against diseases.

Antibodies are substances made by the body's immune system in response to bacteria, viruses, fungus, animal dander, or cancer cells. Antibodies attach to the foreign substances so the immune system can destroy them.

According to the WebMD website, accessed on 19 May 2017, the five major types of antibodies are:
 

• “IgA. IgA antibodies are found in areas of the body such the nose, breathing passages, digestive tract, ears, eyes, and vagina. IgA antibodies protect body surfaces that are exposed to outside foreign substances. This type of antibody is also found in saliva, tears, and blood. About 10% to 15% of the antibodies present in the body are IgA antibodies. A small number of people do not make IgA antibodies.
• IgG. IgG antibodies are found in all body fluids. They are the smallest but most common antibody (75% to 80%) of all the antibodies in the body. IgG antibodies are very important in fighting bacterial and viral infections. IgG antibodies are the only type of antibody that can cross the placenta in a pregnant woman to help protect her baby (fetus).
• IgM. IgM antibodies are the largest antibody. They are found in blood and lymph fluid and are the first type of antibody made in response to an infection. They also cause other immune system cells to destroy foreign substances. IgM antibodies are about 5% to 10% of all the antibodies in the body.
• IgE. IgE antibodies are found in the lungs, skin, and mucous membranes. They cause the body to react against foreign substances such as pollen, fungus spores, and animal dander. They are involved in allergic reactions to milk, some medicines, and some poisons. IgE antibody levels are often high in people with allergies.
• IgD. IgD antibodies are found in small amounts in the tissues that line the belly or chest. How they work is not clear.”

The body makes specific antibodies in response to specific illnesses. For example, the IgM antibody for glandular fever is different to the IgM for herpes. For this reason, the plasma used in immunoglobulins is collected from thousands of screened donors and is used to generate a single batch, providing a wide variety of antibodies to protect against a wide variety of pathogens. Immunoglobulin products are mostly made of IgG, and contain only trace amounts of IgA and IgM. 

Administration

Immunoglobulins may be administered in a variety of ways 

• Intravenous: infusion directly into a vein, usually via a drip.
• Subcutaneous: infusion into the fat layer between the skin and muscle, via an injection or drip. 

Brands

Immunoglobulins are sold under a variety of brand names, each of which may come in different strengths and be administered in different ways. 

• Intravenous immunoglobulin products include Baxter Kiovig; BPL Gammaplex; BPL Vigam; Biotest Intratect; CSL Privigen; Grifols Flebogamma; Grifols Flebogamma; Octapharma Octagam; and Octapharma Octagam.
• Subcutaneous immunoglobulin products include CSL Vivaglobin; Baxter Subcuvia; Octapharma Gammanorm; and BPL Subgam.

Dosage

The dosage will depend on the nature of the condition being treated, the body weight of the patient, the brand of immunoglobulin being used and the treatment mechanism. Please see the document, “Clinical guidelines for immunoglobulin use” published by the Department of Health in 2011 for guidance on dosages and administration of different brands of immunoglobulin.

Notes

Herpes (any of a group of diseases caused by the herpes viruses); glandular fever (viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus that can cause symptoms including swollen glands, fever, sore throat and fatigue); plasma (liquid part of the blood and lymphatic fluid). 

Updated

16 Jun 2022

Last Review

31 May 2018

Next Review

01 Jun 2024