Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a blood product extracted specifically from plasma and administered through injection. It is mainly used as a plasma protein replacement therapy for immune deficient patients, both primary and secondary; inflammatory and autoimmune diseases; and acute infections.

According to a research published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) helps to lower doses of steroids given to asthma patients and subsequently lower incidence of hospitalization or the period of confinement.

Combining IVIG and steroids was proven to be more effective because IVIG was found to lower the sensitivity of the lungs to steroids. This means a lesser dose of steroids would be enough to alleviate symptoms of asthma attack.

Patients who are “desensitized” to steroids as well as those who do not exhibit insensitivity can both benefit with IVIG injections.

Long – term effects of steroids to children include stunted growth or possible osteoporosis. Compared to steroids, IVIG poses less severe side effects and is even considered as non-toxic.

IVIG treatments, however, will cost severe asthma patients several thousand of dollars more but many health insurance companies are willing to cover the cost as it also lowers hospitalization rate.

According to Eurekalert:

DENVER-People with severe asthma who are “insensitive” to steroids need less of the medication, fewer “bursts” of it in emergencies and spend less time in the hospital when using intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in conjunction with steroids, according to research published today in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.