Intravenous inmunoglobulins in pediatrics

• Published in: Farmacia hospitalaria Vol. 27; no. 3; pp. 179 - 187
• Main Authors: Panadero Esteban, M I, Carcelén Andrés, J, Urbieta Sanz, E, Viñuales Armengol, M C, Idoipe Tomás, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Spain 01.05.2003
• Subjects: Autoimmune Diseases - drug therapy; Child; Humans; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous - therapeutic use; Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes - drug therapy
• ISSN: 1130-6343

The use of intravenous immunoglobulins remains controversial after their introduction in therapeutics during the 80s. Their mechanism of action remains unexplained for certain pathologies, but their application to new indications and their economical impact makes them a target of many studies and protocols of use. Intravenous immunoglobulins are administred as substitution therapy in primary and secondary immunodeficiencies. On the other hand, their immunomodulating effect is the basis of their use on a great variety of autoimmune diseases and inflammatory processes, although not always following the authorised indications. This study reviews the use of intravenous immunoglobulins in pediatric population, making the distinction between the indications authorised by the regulatory authorities, and those non-authorised but supported by scientific publications.