Kidney Problems?

Kelly,
So sorry to hear of your problems. Hopefully, the good effects of your treatments will last until your kidney issues are resolved. I will remember you in my prayers.

Hi Kelly,

Sorry to hear that you are having problems with your kidney. I know how frustrating set backs can be. You will be in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.

Be Blessed,
Barbara

Hi Kelly,
Hopefully, your ivig treatments have not been the cause of your kidney troubles, but you previously mentioned in another thread that you recieve Carimune. My daughter also recieves this brand. Last year I looked at the precautions regarding ivig when my daughter was transfered to an infusion center where it was customary to infuse at a high rate, and Carimune was the only available option. Some things I learned:

*sucrose in ivig solution may cause kidney dysfunction/failure by overloading kidneys- reduced rate & concentration eases burden on kidneys
*osmolarity of solution contributes to kidney damage and/or thromboembolic events- to reduce osmolarity, use sterile water instead of saline solution
*paraproteinemia increases risk of renal failure
*migraines are thought to be an indicator for risk of aseptic meningitis
*Carimune is relatively high in sucrose and osmolarity (see chart in link below)
*GAMMAGARD LIQUID is the only 10% liquid IVIG solution drug product to contain no sugar, no sodium, no
preservatives, and provide latex-free packaging. (from CMS guidelines)

Here is the warning statement from the Carimune package insert:

Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) (IGIV) products have been reported to be associated with renal
dysfunction, acute renal failure, osmotic nephrosis, and death (31–36).
Patients predisposed to acute renal failure include patients with:
1. any degree of pre-existing renal insufficiency
2. diabetes mellitus
3. age greater than 65
4. volume depletion
5. sepsis
6. paraproteinemia
7. patients receiving known nephrotoxic drugs
In such patients, IGIV products should be administered at the minimum concentration available and the
minimum rate of infusion practicable. While these reports of renal dysfunction and acute renal failure
have been associated with the use of many of the licensed IGIV products, those containing sucrose as
a stabilizer accounted for a disproportionate share of the total number. See PRECAUTIONS and DOSAGE
AND ADMINISTRATION sections for important information intended to reduce the risk of acute renal
failure.

Perhaps your neurologist is willing to consider using another brand of ivig with a lower risk profile for kidney injury? Here is a comparison chart of the different brands (Nov 06):

[url]http://www.ashp.org/s_ashp/docs/files/DShort_IVIGsidebysideupdatedNov06.pdf[/url]

Best wishes for a full recovery,
cd

My doctor was very hesitant about increasing the frequency of my IVIg infusions. He said there was a possible of damaging my kidneys. So far I have not had a problem.
My prayers are with you for a speedy recovery.