Evidence supporting the use of: Immunoglobulin
For the health condition: Meningitis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Immunoglobulin (IVIG) is used as an adjunctive therapy in certain cases of meningitis, particularly in scenarios involving immunodeficiency or when meningitis is caused by specific pathogens such as enteroviruses or in cases of recurrent or chronic meningitis. The scientific rationale for its use lies in the immunomodulatory effects of IVIG, which can neutralize pathogens, modulate inflammatory responses, and provide passive immunity, especially in patients with impaired humoral immunity (such as those with agammaglobulinemia or hypogammaglobulinemia). Several case reports and small clinical studies suggest that IVIG may be beneficial in treating enteroviral meningitis in immunocompromised hosts, where lack of endogenous antibody production leads to prolonged or severe disease. However, there is limited high-quality evidence supporting routine use of immunoglobulin for bacterial or viral meningitis in immunocompetent patients, and guidelines do not recommend its use for uncomplicated cases. The overall evidence is moderate for immunocompromised patients but weak for the general population. Thus, IVIG's use in meningitis is scientifically justified in select, mainly immunodeficient, populations, but not as a universal treatment.

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More about Meningitis

Other ingredients used for this condition

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Products containing immunoglobulin

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