Is IVIG Right for You?
IVIG is a powerful and versatile therapeutic agent that plays a pivotal role in our treatment offerings at Jean Walter Infusion Center. By providing immediate immune protection, modulating immune responses, and suppressing inflammation, IVIG helps improve the health outcomes and quality of life for our patients. Visit Dr. Nasseri, MD, Dr. Bilal, MD, and their team for IVIG therapy to strengthen your immune system. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Edgewater, Rosedale, Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, North Baltimore, and Catonsville MD.


Table of Contents:
What conditions can IVIG help treat, and is it suitable for everyone?
How do you know if IVIG is the right treatment option for your health needs?
What are the risks of IVIG therapy, and how can they be managed?
At the Jean Walter Infusion Center, our expert team is dedicated to delivering personalized care in a comfortable and supportive environment, ensuring each patient receives the maximum benefit from their IVIG treatment.
Conditions Treated with IVIG
Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases: Patients with congenital immune system disorders, such as common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) and X-linked agammaglobulinemia, benefit from our IVIG therapy. We provide essential antibodies to enhance the immune response and protect against severe infections.
Secondary Immunodeficiency: Whether due to illness or medical treatments, secondary immunodeficiency can significantly affect quality of life. Our IVIG therapy aims to restore immunoglobulin levels and boost immune function, tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Autoimmune Diseases: Our center offers IVIG therapy to modulate the immune system and reduce excessive antibody production and inflammation, effectively managing conditions like Guillain-Barré syndrome, Kawasaki disease, and certain autoimmune neurological disorders.
Contraindications and Considerations:
• Severe Renal Impairment: Patients with kidney issues are closely monitored to prevent potential complications.
• Active Systemic Infection: We assess and manage any infections to optimize therapy effectiveness.
• History of Hypersensitivity to IVIG: Our team is equipped to handle allergic reactions, ensuring patient safety.
• IgA Deficiency: Special care is taken for patients with IgA deficiency to prevent allergic complications.
IVIG is a versatile therapy used to manage various conditions, particularly those related to immune deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory diseases. Here’s how we guide you through the decision-making process:
Medical Conditions: At Jean Walter Infusion Center, we specialize in treating conditions such as:
• Primary immunodeficiencies (e.g., common variable immunodeficiency)
• Secondary immunodeficiencies (e.g., acquired hypogammaglobulinemia)
• Autoimmune disorders (e.g., Guillain-Barré syndrome)
Clinical Presentation: Our experienced team evaluates your symptoms to determine if IVIG is appropriate. For instance, recurrent infections in primary immunodeficiencies might indicate a need for IVIG.
Laboratory Findings: Our center conducts thorough blood tests to assess your immunoglobulin levels and identify any underlying immune issues. These results help us determine the potential benefit of IVIG therapy for your condition.
Risk Assessment: We prioritize your safety by evaluating any potential risks associated with IVIG therapy, such as allergies to blood products or pre-existing kidney or heart conditions. We also discuss possible side effects, including allergic reactions, headaches, and fever.
Consultation with Specialists: For complex cases, we collaborate with specialists in immunology or infectious diseases, ensuring you receive expert guidance on IVIG therapy.
Our commitment to your long-term health involves integrating IVIG into a broader treatment plan. We discuss how IVIG fits into your overall health strategy and explore complementary treatments that might be beneficial. Regular monitoring and follow-ups help us assess the effectiveness of your treatment and make necessary adjustments.
At Jean Walter Infusion Center, we are committed to providing high-quality care and ensuring the safety and well-being of our patients undergoing intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. This treatment is a cornerstone for managing various immune deficiencies and autoimmune disorders, and we take every precaution to minimize risks and enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Common Adverse Effects and Management Strategies
Infusion Reactions:
• Symptoms: Patients may experience headaches, chills, fever, muscle aches, and fatigue during or shortly after the infusion.
• Management: Our team is skilled in adjusting infusion rates and administering pre-medications, such as acetaminophen, antihistamines, or NSAIDs, to alleviate these mild reactions.
Thrombosis:
• Risks: There is an elevated risk of blood clotting, especially in patients with cardiovascular issues or limited mobility.
• Management: At Jean Walter Infusion Center, we administer IVIG carefully, monitor for thrombosis, and may recommend low-dose aspirin or anticoagulants. We also encourage hydration and mobility as preventive measures.
Anaphylaxis:
• Risks: Although rare, severe allergic reactions can occur, particularly in patients with allergies, IgA deficiency, or sensitivities to blood products.
• Management: We conduct thorough pre-infusion screenings, use low IgA content IVIG preparations, and closely monitor patients to prevent severe allergic reactions.
Serious Risks and Their Management
Renal Dysfunction or Failure:
• Risks: Patients with existing kidney issues, diabetes, or dehydration are at higher risk.
• Management: Our protocol includes regular monitoring of kidney function and ensuring patients are well-hydrated before and during therapy.
Aseptic Meningitis Syndrome:
• Symptoms: This includes neck stiffness, severe headache, and photophobia.
• Management: Our staff is trained to recognize these signs early and adjust or discontinue treatment to reverse the condition.
Additional Considerations
Hepatitis A and E Transmission:
• Risks: There have been rare detections of these viruses in IVIG products.
• Management: We recommend vaccination against hepatitis A and E for patients on long-term IVIG therapy.
Monitoring for Immune Reactions:
• Risks: In rare cases, IVIG can trigger immune responses against the patient’s own cells.
• Management: We vigilantly monitor patients for any signs of immune reactions.
Comprehensive Management Strategy
At Jean Walter Infusion Center, our approach to IVIG therapy includes thorough pre-infusion screenings and personalized infusion protocols tailored to individual patient needs. Our healthcare team implements continuous monitoring during and after treatment to ensure patient safety and optimize therapeutic results. By adhering to these best practices, we strive to provide the highest standard of care and minimize the risks associated with IVIG therapy.
Visit our team at Jean Walter Infusion Center to explore personalized wellness solutions, with IVIG therapy. 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.