Intravenous Immunglobulin Treatment; The Effect On Different Hematological and Biochemical Parameters

Intravenous Immunglobulin (IVIg), an important immunomodulatory treatment for various neurological disorders. In previous studies IVIg treatment has been associated with thromboembolic events such as stroke or myocardial infarction due to an increase in serum viscosity. The aim of this study was to investigate hematological and biochemical changes in patients receiving IVIg treatment. Six female and 5 male patients who were treated with a standard IVIg treatment regimen were inclueded in this study. Different serum parameters were evaluated before treatment and on the 1’st, 5’th, 10’th days and after 1 month of IVIg treatment. Statistical analysis revealed a significant increase in the ESR, total protein and Ig G levels lasting up to one month following treatment. IVIg treatment may cause remarkable biochemical and hematological changes. Such changes should not be confused with a serious medical problem such as disease reactivity; and caution should be taken for patients with previous risk factors (such as elderly patients or patients with advanced atherosclerosis) for thromboembolic events since increase in serum viscosity may cause serious complications.