Intravenous Immunoglobulins: Are They Helpful?

While there is increasing knowledge on the mechanisms of biological efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulins(IVIG), their clinical effectiveness in septic patients remains a matter of controversy. At present, data suggest potential beneficial effects regarding a reduction in morbidity after IVIG prophylaxis or early treatment in selected patients. However, no large-sized controlled clinical trial has yet been able to document a significant reduction in mortality by IVIG treatment for the total population of adult septic patients.