Don’t prescribe immunoglobulin replacement therapy for recurrent infections without a diagnosis of immune deficiency or evidence of a functional humoral defect.

Immunoglobulin (gammaglobulin) replacement does not improve outcomes unless there is impairment of antigen-specific IgG antibody responses to vaccine immunizations or natural infections. Isolated decreases in immunoglobulins (isotypes or subclasses), alone, do not indicate a need for immunoglobulin replacement therapy. Exceptions include genetically defined/suspected disorders. Measurement of IgG subclasses is not routinely useful in determining the need for immunoglobulin therapy. Selective IgA deficiency is not an indication for administration of immunoglobulin.

Sources:

Bonilla FA, et al. Practice parameter for the diagnosis and management of primary immunodeficiency. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2015 Nov;136(5):1186-205.e1-78. PMID: 26371839.

Otani IM, et al. Practical guidance for the diagnosis and management of secondary hypogammaglobulinemia: A Work Group Report of the AAAAI Primary Immunodeficiency and Alterned Immune Response Committees. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2022 May;149(5):1525-1560. PMID: 35176351.

Perez EE, et al. Update on the use of immunoglobulin in human disease: A review of the evidence. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2017 Mar;139(3S):S1-S46. PMID: 28041678.

Rich R, et al. Clinical Immunology: Principles and Practice, 6th edition. Elsevier; 2022.