Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is currently an accepted treatment for so
me autoimmune diseases and it has recently been used empirically in various
other autoimmune conditions. This review discusses the role of IVIg in aut
oimmunity, mainly in systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic vasculitis.
Clinical experience with IVIg, as well as its mechanisms of action with spe
cial emphasis on modulation of the idiotypic network, are also presented. (
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