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Immunoglobulin replacement therapy involves administering antibodies via intravenous (IVIG) or subcutaneous (SCIG) routes to patients with primary or secondary immunodeficiencies. This treatment replaces missing or dysfunctional antibodies to prevent recurrent infections and improve immune function in patients who cannot produce adequate immunoglobulins naturally.
Primary immunodeficiencies result from genetic defects affecting B-cell development, antibody production, or antibody function, leading to hypogammaglobulinemia or agammaglobulinemia. Secondary immunodeficiencies can occur due to malignancies, immunosuppressive medications, or other conditions that impair antibody production, creating susceptibility to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
Patients with recurrent sinopulmonary infections, low serum immunoglobulin levels, and poor vaccine responses are candidates for replacement therapy. IVIG provides higher peak levels but requires hospital visits, while SCIG offers more stable levels with home administration convenience, making route selection dependent on patient preference, venous access, and lifestyle factors.