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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between IVIG and Plasmapheresis?

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Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and plasmapheresis are both therapeutic approaches for treating various medical conditions, but they have different mechanisms of action and composition.

  • IVIG: This treatment consists of concentrated antibodies derived from multiple donors. It is prepared from the serum of thousands of donors and is administered intravenously. IVIG provides passive immunity by infusing antibodies into the patient's bloodstream.
  • Plasmapheresis: This procedure involves removing the patient's plasma (the liquid portion of blood) and replacing it with a substitute solution. Plasmapheresis directly removes disease-associated antibodies and harmful factors from the bloodstream.

The effectiveness of IVIG and plasmapheresis depends on the specific condition being treated. Plasmapheresis is more effective at removing alloantibodies compared to IVIG. Both treatments have potential side effects, such as infections and allergic reactions, but IVIG generally has a better safety profile compared to plasmapheresis. The choice between IVIG and plasmapheresis depends on various factors, including patient characteristics, disease severity, and therapy goals.

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  • What is the Difference Between IVIG and Plasmapheresis?
  • Comparative Table: IVIG vs Plasmapheresis

    • Comparative Table: IVIG vs Plasmapheresis

    Here is a table comparing the differences between IVIG and Plasmapheresis:

    Feature IVIG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin) Plasmapheresis
    Composition Concentrated antibodies derived from multiple donors Removal of patient's plasma and replacement with a substitute solution
    Mechanism of Action Provides passive immunity boost by infusing antibodies Directly removes disease-associated antibodies and harmful factors from the bloodstream
    Treatment Speed Faster, administered at a dose of 200-400 mg/kg body weight over 5 days Slower, requiring a series of treatments
    Uses Therapeutic purposes Both donation and therapeutic purposes
    Effectiveness Disease-stabilizing therapy for autoimmune diseases Disease-stabilizing therapy for autoimmune diseases
    Side Effects Headaches, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, allergic reactions, blood clots, or renal damage Similar side effects, but may also include central-line sepsis in some cases

    Both IVIG and Plasmapheresis are therapeutic approaches for treating autoimmune disorders, but they have different mechanisms of action and treatment speeds. IVIG provides a passive immunity boost by infusing antibodies, while Plasmapheresis directly removes disease-associated antibodies and harmful factors from the bloodstream.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.