Adverse effects of treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins for neurological diseases

Therapy with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) is considered to be a safe treatment for a number of immune-mediated neurological diseases. Published data about prevalence of adverse effects range from 11 to 81%. The purpose of our study was to preserve a representative view on adverse effects by analysis of a large cohort of patients treated by IVIg. A recent prospective study reported 42.7% adverse events. The majority of patients presented with minor adverse effects, mostly asymptomatic laboratory changes. Rash or mild headache occurred especially when IVIg was administered with an infusion flow higher than 10 g/h. Severe complications like deep vein thrombosis or others are rare. In addition to its efficacy, IVIg therapy appears to be a safe therapy in immune-mediated neurological diseases. Most patients show no or minor adverse effects. Patients with pre-existent disorders like heart or renal insufficiency or immobilized patients, however, may be at higher risk for complications.