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Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy: a snapshot for the internist

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Abstract

Intravenous immunoglobulins are the cornerstone for the treatment of primary humoral immunodeficiencies and may be used for a great number of other autoimmune, neurological and hematological conditions as well. Given their wide application, the possibility of running across a patient who needs this kind of therapy is becoming increasingly common. Generally, intravenous immunoglobulins are well tolerated. However, numerous adverse reactions ranging from mild to severe have been reported and linked to patient- and product-related factors. For all these reasons, we present herein a comprehensive review of the on- and off-label applications of intravenous immunoglobulins and provide a guide for the internist how to minimize the risk of adverse reactions and manage them.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Experimental and Clinical Medicine Department, University of Firenze, Largo Brambilla 3, 50100, Firenze, Italy

    Gianfranco Vitiello, Giacomo Emmi, Elena Silvestri, Gerardo Di Scala, Boaz Palterer & Paola Parronchi

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  1. Gianfranco Vitiello
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Vitiello, G., Emmi, G., Silvestri, E. et al. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy: a snapshot for the internist. Intern Emerg Med 14, 1041–1049 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11739-019-02150-z

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