Is IVIG an Effective Treatment for Immune and Nerve Disorders?
IVIG is a highly effective treatment for a variety of immune and nerve disorders. By providing a concentrated dose of healthy antibodies, IVIG can help regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. This can be beneficial for conditions like autoimmune diseases, neuromuscular disorders, and certain types of nerve damage. Dr. Nasser Nasseri, MD, and his team at Jean Walter Infusion Center are experts in the administration and management of IVIG therapy. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Catonsville MD, Rosedale MD, Baltimore MD, Columbia MD, Glen Burnie MD, Edgewater MD, and North Baltimore MD.


Table of Contents:
Is IVIG safe for long-term use?
What is the success rate of IVIG in treating autoimmune disorders?
Can IVIG help with neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis?
How is the dosage for IVIG therapy determined?
Medical professionals, along with various studies and clinical trials, have found IVIG to be relatively safe for long-term use due to its favorable safety profile. Many of our patients who have received long-term IVIG therapy have shown significant improvements in their conditions without experiencing severe adverse side effects.
However, like any medical treatment, IVIG can have side effects that range from mild to severe; severe side effects are rare. Mild side effects could include headaches, mild flu-like symptoms, nausea, and fatigue. Rare but possible severe side effects can include kidney problems, blood clots, and severe allergic reactions.
There are also potential risks associated with long-term IVIG use. These risks include the possible presence of viruses and bacteria in the antibodies derived from human plasma, a thickening of the blood that could lead to an increased risk of thromboembolic events, immune system suppression, and allergic reactions. High-dose IVIG can strain the kidneys, and sodium in IVIG can cause fluid retention and high blood pressure in individuals with sodium sensitivity.
Despite these potential risks, many patients have a high tolerance for IVIG treatment, while others may develop side effects over time. We ensure regular monitoring to identify and address potential issues promptly, reducing the risk of severe side effects. We assess individual risk factors, monitor closely for infections, individualize IVIG doses to reduce the risk of side effects and consider alternative treatments for those with high-risk factors.
The decision to use IVIG for long-term treatment is individualized, taking into account your overall health, the severity of your disease, the availability of other treatment options, and your tolerance to the therapy. We encourage our patients to have open discussions about the risks and benefits of long-term IVIG use with our healthcare providers, ensuring you have the information needed to make an informed decision about your treatment.
For patients with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the nerves, we have seen IVIG treatment have a high success rate of around 70-80%. Similarly, for autoimmune neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis, we have observed an approximately 80% success rate with IVIG therapy.
In managing Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), another autoimmune condition affecting the nerves, our experiences suggest that IVIG treatment may have a success rate of about 50–75%. We have helped patients stabilize or improve their symptoms, although long-term maintenance therapy may be required.
We have also seen IVIG induce remission or improve muscle strength in some cases of dermatomyositis and polymyositis, autoimmune disorders characterized by inflammation and muscle weakness. For treating immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), IVIG has been highly effective in our practice in acutely raising platelet counts, with around 80–90% of patients experiencing a rapid increase in platelets, reducing the risk of bleeding.
In the case of Kawasaki disease, an autoimmune disease that primarily affects children and causes inflammation in blood vessels, we have seen IVIG have a high success rate in reducing fever and preventing coronary artery abnormalities, with approximately 80-90% of patients responding favorably.
We are committed to providing personalized care, considering factors such as the patient’s overall health, the severity and duration of their symptoms, their underlying immune dysregulation, and their response to previous treatments. We believe in regular monitoring and adjustments to treatment to ensure the best possible outcomes.
One of the autoimmune disorders that can potentially benefit from IVIG therapy is multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system. MS can lead to a range of symptoms, including vision problems, difficulties with arm or leg movement, sensation or balance issues, fatigue, weakness, numbness, and tingling.
We are committed to providing the best care for our patients, including staying informed about current research and potential new treatments for conditions such as MS. While IVIG is not currently a first-line treatment for MS, studies have suggested it may reduce relapse frequency, improve walking ability, reduce fatigue, and decrease the number of new brain lesions in people with MS.
The potential mechanism by which IVIG might be beneficial for MS is not fully understood, but it is believed to work by modulating the immune response, reducing inflammation, and potentially preventing further damage to the nervous system.
For some individuals with MS, particularly those who have not responded well to other treatments, IVIG therapy may offer hope for symptom management and improved quality of life. As with any medical treatment, we encourage individuals considering IVIG to discuss it with our healthcare providers, who can provide information about the potential benefits and risks in the context of their health circumstances.
We understand that intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy is a complex process, requiring careful consideration of various factors to determine the appropriate dosage for each patient.
Whether a patient comes to us with immune deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, or infectious diseases, our team is well-equipped to manage their unique needs. We consider the severity of each patient’s condition and carefully assess the appropriate dosage needed to effectively manage their symptoms and improve their health status.
Patient weight, a primary determinant of dosage, is also carefully factored into our considerations. We understand that the dosage range can vary based on the specific condition and individual patient response; hence, we ensure to calculate the dosage in grams per kilogram of body weight (g/kg) accurately.
At our center, we also take into account the infusion rate and duration, preferring slow infusion rates over several hours or days to minimize potential adverse effects. The concentration of the IVIG preparation is a significant factor in dosage calculation, and we ensure that higher concentrations are handled appropriately to provide a more concentrated dose of immunoglobulins.
At Jean Walter Infusion, we always prioritize each patient’s specific needs and goals of therapy. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Maryland. We serve patients from Catonsville MD, Rosedale MD, Baltimore MD, Columbia MD, Glen Burnie MD, Edgewater MD, North Baltimore MD, Parkville MD, Middle River MD, Dundalk MD, Halethrope MD, Ellicott City MD, Laurel MD, Hebbville MD, and Woodlawn MD, and the surrounding areas.