Effect of IVIG administration on complement activation and HLA antibody levels.

The objective of the present study was to determine if there are changes on complement (C) activation and concentration of HLA antibodies (Abs) in patients treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). The patients evaluated were given IVIG as treatment of Ab-mediated rejection or desensitization. The patients' sera obtained before and after IVIG administration were tested for their effects on the deposition of both IgG (HLA Abs) and C3b (C activation) as measured by flow cytometry on T cells.