High-dose intravenous immunoglobulins for lupus nephritis - a salvage immunomodulation

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystemic autoimmune disease wi th a great diversity of clinical manifestations which is difficult to manag e. IVIGs represent promising immunoregulatory agents with the ability to co ntrol SLE without subsequent predisposition to infectious complications. De spite the implied risk of developing renal failure due to IVIG, considerabl e beneficial effects on lupus nephritis are reported. In this review, the c linical and adverse effects, and machanism of action, with special emphasis on modulation, of idiotypic network is discussed.