IVIG
Pronunciation: eye-vig
Also written as: IVIG — Intravenous Immunoglobulin
Pooled antibody preparation administered intravenously for immunomodulatory therapy.
Full Definition
Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a blood product containing pooled immunoglobulin G antibodies from thousands of healthy donors. In pediatric rheumatology, IVIG is primarily used as an immunomodulatory agent for conditions such as Kawasaki disease, juvenile dermatomyositis, and certain vasculitic conditions. The mechanism of action includes anti-inflammatory effects, modulation of complement activation, and interference with pathogenic autoantibodies. IVIG is typically administered as a slow infusion over several hours, and patients require monitoring for infusion reactions and potential side effects including headache, fever, and rarely, thrombotic events.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly pronounced as acronym; spell out on first use in formal documents.
In Context
- "The patient received IVIG at 2 g/kg divided over two days for treatment of refractory Kawasaki disease." — Infusion center documentation
- "Pre-medication with acetaminophen and diphenhydramine is recommended before IVIG administration." — Nursing protocol