The use of intravenous immunoglobulin for treatment of dermatological conditions in Australia: A review

Intravenous immunoglobulin has been used in the treatment of various dermatological conditions, including toxic epidermal necrolysis, bullous pemphigoid and pemphigus vulgaris. From March 2008, the National Blood Authority has implemented the ‘Criteria for the clinical use of intravenous immunoglobulins in Australia’. The new criteria have formalized the eligibility requirements for several dermatological conditions. This may increase access to intravenous immunoglobulin for treatment for these conditions. However, there remain stringent eligibility criteria with which dermatologists need to be acquainted. In some conditions, dermatology review is mandated by these criteria while in other conditions with skin manifestations, referral to other specialists is required. The following article provides a summary of the salient points in relation to the clinical use of intravenous immunoglobulin in dermatology, as well as its production and supply in Australia.