IVIG 'ON THE DRIP' What it all means with CIDP
Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) for CIDP
(IVIG) is a solution of human plasma proteins and in particular IgG antibodies with a broad spectrum of antibody activity. IVIG is prepared from large pools of human plasma collected from several thousand blood donors and contains the typical IgG antibodies found in the normal population.
Recipients of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy often find themselves on a long-term treatment regimen, sometimes requiring these infusions for the entirety of their lives. This is particularly true for individuals suffering from chronic autoimmune conditions, immunodeficiencies, or certain neurological disorders, where the immune system's functionality is compromised or needs modulation. The administration of IVIG plays a crucial role in providing the necessary antibodies that the body may be lacking, thus helping to bolster the immune response and protect against infections.
In some cases, patients may experience significant improvement in their condition due to the IVIG treatments. As a result, they may recover sufficiently to be considered for a reduction or even cessation of their IVIG therapy. This recovery can be attributed to various factors, including the body's adaptive response to the treatment, changes in disease progression, or the implementation of additional supportive therapies that enhance overall health and immune function. Such patients may undergo rigorous evaluations and assessments to determine their eligibility for discontinuation of IVIG, which can be a hopeful milestone in their treatment journey.
However, the treatment landscape for IVIG recipients is not always straightforward. Some individuals who initially qualify for IVIG therapy may, over time, find that their condition evolves or changes in a way that necessitates a shift in their treatment approach. This could be due to a variety of reasons, including the emergence of new symptoms, the development of complications, or the realization that the current treatment is no longer effective. In such instances, healthcare providers may explore alternative treatment modalities, which could include other immunotherapies, corticosteroids, or even more novel approaches like biologic agents that target specific pathways in the immune system.
The journey of an IVIG recipient is often characterized by ongoing monitoring and adjustments to their treatment plan, reflecting the dynamic nature of their health status. Each patient's experience is unique, shaped by their specific medical history, response to therapy, and the evolving understanding of their underlying condition. As a result, the management of patients receiving IVIG is a collaborative effort between healthcare providers and patients, aimed at optimizing treatment outcomes and improving quality of life.
IVIG
DAY ONE & DAY TWO
COMPLETED OVER TWO DAYS
IVIG TREATMENT
INITIALLY GIVEN ON TWO CONSECUTIVE DAYS EACH MONTH
LATER SIX WEEKLY
IVIG INFUSION ROOM
COMFORTABLE INFUSION CHAIR
(NOT THE ELECTRIC CHAIR LOL)
IVIG INFUSION VIEW
INFUSION CENTRE
CHRISTMAS TREE
IMMUNOGLOBULIN INFUSIONS
SCIg self administered IVIG
IVIG INFUSIONS & CIDP
INTRAVENOUS IMMUNE GLOBULIN (IVIG)
WHAT IS IVIG?
