[Administration of intravenous immunoglobulins in adult patients with hematologic diseases].

Abnormalities in serum immunoglobulin levels or in antibody production may develop as a result of many different diseases. Antibody deficiency may occur in previously normal persons with haematologic malignancies or who received immunosuppressive agents in treatment of cancer or in anticipation of bone marrow transplantation. Effective regimens may develop in primary immunodeficiencies and secondary immunodeficiencies as well as in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Some reports and information about the other haematological indications were published in medical literature. However, the consensus conference on IVIG at the National Institutes of Health (Bethesda--May 21, 1990) recommended treatment with IVIG in haematology only for CLL, ITP and after bone marrow transplantation, as a prevention for GVHD. The adverse effects of IVIG therapy are minimal, but they exist. The other important subject is the cost of widespread use of IVIG; therefore the indications must be carefully concerned and documented before therapy is started.