Benefits of IVIG for Vasculitis Patients

The primary benefit of IVIG, which we administer at Jean Walter Infusion Center, is its immunomodulatory effects. By binding to specific immune system receptors, it can modulate the immune response, suppressing the production of inflammatory cytokines and autoantibodies that contribute to disorders like vasculitis. This effective regulation of the immune system helps reduce inflammation and prevents further blood vessel damage, providing significant relief for our patients.

IVIG also possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which are crucial for controlling the symptoms of vasculitis, such as fatigue, fever, weight loss, and muscle and joint pain.

Our IVIG therapy works by binding to and neutralizing the pathogenic autoantibodies that attack blood vessels in vasculitis. This process not only prevents further damage to blood vessels but also improves our patient’s quality of life.

IVIG therapy has consistently proven effective in suppressing disease activity, reducing the frequency and severity of relapses, and improving overall quality of life. Our goal is to help maintain remission in vasculitis patients, prevent disease flare-ups, and in some cases, prolong survival.

Importantly, IVIG is usually well-tolerated by patients, with fewer side effects than many other vasculitis treatments. This makes it an ideal option for our patients, who may not be able to tolerate other treatments due to their side effects.

At Jean Walter Infusion Center, we believe in the multiple benefits of IVIG therapy for patients with vasculitis. From its immune system modulation, symptom control, autoantibody suppression, improved disease activity, and maintenance of remission, to its well-tolerated and convenient nature, our team is committed to providing this life-enhancing therapy to those in need.

IVIG therapy involves the infusion of healthy antibodies from the plasma of thousands of donors. This blood product boosts the immune system, helping the body fend off infections and illnesses. In vasculitis, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s blood vessels, IVIG therapy plays a crucial role in neutralizing harmful autoantibodies, reducing inflammation, and minimizing the attack on the body’s tissues.

At Jean Walter Infusion Center, we recognize that therapy can sometimes be associated with side effects. We monitor our vasculitis patients closely during IVIG therapy to manage symptoms such as infusion reactions, headaches, fatigue, and renal toxicity.

Through IVIG therapy we offer a comprehensive treatment approach that introduces healthy antibodies, neutralizes harmful ones, modifies the immune response, enhances white blood cell function, and boosts anti-inflammatory cytokines production. This makes IVIG an effective treatment method for vasculitis, helping to reduce inflammation, prevent further damage, and enhance the body’s ability to fight off infections.

Our IVIG therapy involves the use of a blood product that contains the pooled, polyvalent, IgG (immunoglobulin G) antibodies extracted from the plasma of over a thousand healthy blood donors. This therapy interacts with the immune system to suppress inflammation and regulate immune responses, which can help manage vasculitis symptoms, decrease fatigue, and consequently, increase energy levels.

We strive to optimize energy levels in vasculitis patients receiving IVIG. We may recommend regular IVIG infusions to maintain consistent therapy and control inflammation. Our healthcare professionals also provide guidance on lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet, regular sleep patterns, and moderate exercise to support overall well-being and energy. If fatigue persists despite IVIG treatment, we ensure that other underlying causes such as anemia or thyroid issues are evaluated and addressed.

While IVIG therapy can contribute to an improvement in vasculitis symptoms and a potential increase in energy levels, its impact can vary individually. Side effects such as headaches, chills, and fever may occur and temporarily decrease energy levels.

The frequency of IVIG administration at our center varies depending on the patient’s overall health, the type of vasculitis, the severity of the condition, and their response to the therapy.

We generally administer IVIG every two to four weeks during the induction phase, which is designed to control active disease and induce remission. However, this frequency may vary based on the patient’s clinical response and laboratory findings. The benefits of IVIG therapy are ongoing, but they are not permanent; therefore, regular administration at our facility is necessary to maintain its effects.

Once remission is achieved, our patients may require maintenance therapy with IVIG to prevent disease relapse. The frequency of this maintenance therapy typically ranges from every four to eight weeks, or as needed to maintain remission. Some of our patients may eventually be able to discontinue IVIG therapy altogether or transition to less frequent dosing schedules.

The duration of the treatment depends on the individual’s response to the therapy, with some patients requiring IVIG therapy for a few months and others for several years. Our healthcare professionals, who specialize in vasculitis management, work in consultation with patients to determine the frequency and duration of IVIG therapy. They consider the patient’s individual circumstances, disease severity, and treatment response to determine the optimal dosing regimen.

IVIG therapy at Jean Walter Infusion Center offers vasculitis patients a powerful solution to reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and enhance their overall well-being. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Rosedale MD, Baltimore MD, Columbia MD, Glen Burnie MD, Catonsville MD, North Baltimore MD, Edgewater MD, Parkville MD, Middle River MD, Dundalk MD, Halethrope MD, Ellicott City MD, Laurel MD, Hebbville MD, and Woodlawn MD.