Immunomodulation by intravenous immunoglobulin.

In 1980, it was observed in a child with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) that intravenous administration of pooled human immunoglobulin-G (IVIG) was followed by a rapid increase of the platelet count. Prompted by this finding, a pilot study and two prospective multicenter studies on children with ITP were organized. Efficacy of this new treatment for ITP was soon confirmed worldwide. In addition to the immediate effect, long-term observations following administration of IVIG suggested the occurrence of modulation of the immune response. Also, concomitant with studies on the mechanism of action of IVIG, the use of IVIG in the treatment of patients with other immune-related disorders was explored.