The key difference between IVIG and SCIG is that IVIG is a type of immunoglobulin replacement therapy where immunoglobulins are given to a vein as an infusion, while SCIG is a type of immunoglobulin replacement therapy where immunoglobulins are given to the fatty tissue that is just underneath the skin.
Immunoglobulin (IG) replacement therapy is the main therapy for people who suffer from primary immunodeficiency (PI) disease. People who have primary immunodeficiency (PI) disease normally have defects in their body’s antibody production. Antibodies play a pivotal role in the body’s immune system and defense against bacteria, viruses, and other substances. IVIG and SCIG are two different types of immunoglobulin replacement therapy.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is IVIG
3. What is SCIG
4. Similarities – IVIG and SCIG
5. IVIG vs. SCIG in Tabular Form
6. Summary – IVIG vs. SCIG
What is IVIG?
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a type of immunoglobulin replacement therapy where immunoglobulins are given into a vein (intravenously) as an infusion. IVIG is prepared from the blood donated by thousands of human donors. This ultimately yields a concentrated and diverse mixture of antibodies that help needy patients. IVIG can usually take from 1 to 4 hours or even longer. This depends on the dose and other factors involving the health of a patient. As soon as an IVIG infusion is given, the serum IG levels increase rapidly. Peak serum IG concentrations are achieved in about 15 minutes after the IVIG infusion. However, there is a sharp drop in serum levels over the following 48 hours.
IVIG offers several advantages, including the convenience of infusing it only once every 3 to 4 weeks, the ability to rapidly raise plasma IG levels, and its suitability for patients with bleeding disorders. It’s also well-suited for delivering higher doses of immunoglobulins, requires no patient expertise, involves fewer needle insertions, and tends to result in fewer localized reactions like pain, redness, and swelling. Additionally, it is a preferable option for patients who may struggle with needle handling.
Figure 01: IVIG
However, there are also drawbacks to IVIG. These include the potential for more systemic side effects such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. It typically requires a hospital-based infusion setting, making it less convenient for some patients, and may not be suitable for those with challenging venous access.
What is SCIG?
Subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) is a type of immunoglobulin replacement therapy where immunoglobulins are given subcutaneously. SCIG is performed by slowly injecting immunoglobulin into the fatty tissue that is just underneath the skin. In this procedure, the administered immunoglobulins make their way into the circulation at a much slower rate than in IVIG. However, this procedure results in more stable serum IG levels and avoids peak immunoglobulin levels that normally accompany IVIG infusion procedures.
Moreover, SCIG has several advantages, including fewer systemic adverse effects, the ability to maintain stable serum IG levels, the flexibility of non-hospital-based administration, and suitability for patients with poor venous access or challenging veins. It also accommodates a more patient-friendly schedule.
However, SCIG has its drawbacks as well. It necessitates weekly infusions, resulting in more frequent medical visits. While it involves fewer needle pricks, it can lead to more localized reactions like pain, redness, and swelling. Additionally, it may not be ideal for patients who struggle with needle handling.
What are the Similarities Between IVIG and SCIG?
- IVIG and SCIG are two different types of immunoglobulin replacement therapies.
- They are prepared from the blood donated by thousands of human donors
- Both procedures have been proven to have similar efficacy when treating patients with primary immunodeficiency
- They have advantages as well as disadvantages.
What is the Difference Between IVIG and SCIG?
IVIG is a type of immunoglobulin replacement therapy where immunoglobulins are given into a vein as an infusion, while SCIG is a type of immunoglobulin replacement therapy where immunoglobulins are given into the fatty tissue that is just underneath the skin. Thus, this is the key difference between IVIG and SCIG. Furthermore, IVIG is usually appropriate for patients who require higher doses of immunoglobulin, whereas SCIG is usually appropriate for patients who require lower doses of immunoglobulin.
The infographic below presents the differences between IVIG and SCIG in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – IVIG vs SCIG
Immunoglobulins are a type of antibodies found in blood plasma. People who usually suffer from immunodeficiency diseases have poor IgG levels in plasma or function. These people often benefit from a medical treatment called immunoglobulin replacement therapy. IVIG and SCIG are two different types of immunoglobulin replacement therapies. In IVIG, the immunoglobulins are given intravenously each month, while in SCIG, immunoglobulins are given subcutaneously once a week or every two weeks. So, this summarizes the difference between IVIG and SCIG.
Reference:
1. “Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG).” Statpearls. NCBI Bookshelf.
2. Grainger, Suzanne. “Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin (Scig) Therapy General Information.” ASCIA.
Image Courtesy:
1.”Immunoglobulin_017” By PanaromicTiger – Own work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia