Good Info Linda

[FONT=”Microsoft Sans Serif”]Additionally, while IVIG works wonders for some, it should be clearly noted that it does absolutely nothing for others. I was one of the latter.

And with all blood products, there always exists unforeseen risks, albeit rare due to the diligence of how blood products are handled post the onset of HIV. Since HIV was unknown in the 70’s, HIV was not screened by the blood banks since, obviously, they did not know to do so. Hence, folks were getting exposed to it via routine transfusions. The question comes to mind, “what if there is currently an unknown, unidentified virus lurking in human blood that will manifest in 10 or 30 years from now?”

That goes for all blood products– I received 4 bags of red blood in 10 days during my hospitalization for stem cell transplant. I actually had to sign a waver accepting the use of blood transfusions.

So whether it is IVIG, red blood or platelets, there is always a risk.

One example that comes to mind with IVIG is my friend Jim D who has posted here briefly during his SCT. He is the one Sophie and I went to Chicago to help out during his treatment. Jim tested positive for Hepatitis B core antibodies after several (ineffective) treatments of IVIG. Blood tests prior showed he had none. Although these antibodies are considered “dormant,” the doctors did have to administer extra antiviral medications to prevent them from becoming “active,” once his immune system was knocked down by the chemotherapy. It was, and will always be, an extra consideration for him.

Just food for thought and words of caution. [/FONT]