Prophylaxis and therapy with gamma globulin. General characterization and clinical use of gamma globulin preparations

For accurate evaluation of the usefulness of gamma-globulin treatment, the clinical indications for passive immune prophylaxis and immunotherapy and the specific characteristics of commercially available gamma-globulin preparations have to be considered. Detailed investigations of currently used gamma-globulin preparations have shown that as yet no ideal product is available. Classical standard gamma-globulin and, in particular, enzymatically treated (Gamma-Venin, Veinoglobuline) or chemically modified preparations (Gamma-Globulin i.v. SRK, Intraglobin) for intravenous use have some deficiencies and involve potential risks for the patient. Nor is the infusion of "fresh frozen plasma" a safe and generally applicable alternative to the use of gamma-globulin concentrates. Thus from the outset the preconditions for effective treatment with gamma-globulin are not optimal. Standard and hyperimmune preparations, given once intramuscularly, are suitable for the prophylaxis of viral and bacteriotoxic diseases. In patients apt to react abnormally it is important to distinguish clearly between the few accepted indications and those that are more doubtful. Anti-D immunoglobulin is essential for the prevention of Rhesus sensitization after ...Continue Reading