Treatment of autoimmune
bullous skin diseases can often be challenging and primarily consists of systemic
corticosteroids and a variety of
immunosuppressants. Current treatment strategies are effective in most cases but hampered by the side effects of long-term immunosuppressive treatment.
Intravenous immunoglobulin (
IVIG) is one potential promising
therapy for patients with autoimmune
bullous skin diseases, and evidence of its effectiveness and safety is increasing. A number of autoimmune
bullous skin diseases have been identified in which
IVIG treatment may be beneficial. However, experience with
IVIG in patients with autoimmune skin blistering disease is limited, where it is recommended for patients not responding to conventional
therapy. The mode of action of
IVIG in
autoimmune diseases, including bullous diseases is far from being completely understood. We here summarize the clinical evidence supporting the notion, that
IVIG is a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of patients with autoimmune
bullous skin disease. In addition, we review the proposed modes of action. In the future, randomized controlled trials are necessary to better determine the efficacy and adverse effects of
IVIG in the treatment of autoimmune
bullous skin diseases. In addition, insights into
IVIG's mode of action might enable us to develop novel
therapeutics to overcome the current shortage of
IVIG.