Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG): The Driver of Plasma Demand
Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a concentrated solution of IgG antibodies. It is currently the most "in-demand" plasma derivative worldwide. Because it is pooled from thousands of healthy donors, it contains a massive spectrum of antibodies against various bacteria and viruses, providing "passive immunity" to the recipient.
Therapeutic uses are divided into two main categories:
Replacement Therapy: For patients with Primary Immunodeficiencies (PI) who cannot produce their own antibodies. Without regular IVIG infusions, these patients are susceptible to life-threatening, recurrent infections.
Immunomodulation: In high doses, IVIG can "reset" a malfunctioning immune system. It is the standard treatment for autoimmune conditions like Kawasaki Disease, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), and Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), where the body's own antibodies attack its tissue