Gammaglobulin for primary immunodeficiency: when should it be used?

Abstract

Antibodies are an essential component of the adaptative immune response and hold long-term memory of the immunological experiences throughout life. Antibody defects represent approximately half of the well-known primary immunodeficiencies requiring gammaglobulin replacement therapy. On the other hand this therapy can be used for some diseases that do not belong to this group, like hyper IgM syndrome, immunodeficiency with thymoma and severe combined immunodeficiency. This therapy is a safe procedure and induces dramatic improvement in the clinical outcome of patients, reducing the risks of death and complications.