What is IVIG
IVIG stands for Intravenous Immunoglobulin — a medical treatment that involves giving concentrated antibodies (immunoglobulins) directly into a vein.
What is IVIG
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It’s a sterile solution of human antibodies (mostly IgG), collected from the plasma of thousands of healthy donors.
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These antibodies help strengthen or modulate the immune system.
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It’s administered by intravenous infusion, usually in a hospital or infusion clinic, over several hours.
Why IVIG is used
IVIG can both boost a weak immune system and calm down an overactive one.
Here are common uses:
1. Immune Deficiency Disorders
Primary immunodeficiency (PID): people who can’t make enough antibodies (e.g., CVID, X-linked agammaglobulinemia).
IVIG replaces missing antibodies to help prevent infections.
2. Autoimmune & Inflammatory Diseases
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Guillain–Barré syndrome
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Myasthenia gravis
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Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
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Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
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Kawasaki disease
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Lupus, dermatomyositis, multiple sclerosis (sometimes)
In these, IVIG works by modulating immune responses, reducing harmful autoantibodies.
How it works
IVIG has multiple effects:
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Provides passive immunity (ready-made antibodies).
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Blocks or dilutes harmful autoantibodies.
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Modulates immune cell activity (especially T-cells, B-cells, and macrophages).
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Reduces inflammation.
Side effects and risks
Most people tolerate it well, but possible effects include:
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Mild: headache, fatigue, fever, chills, nausea, flushing.
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Moderate: allergic-type reactions, muscle aches, temporary blood pressure changes.
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Rare but serious: blood clots, kidney injury, aseptic meningitis, hemolytic anemia.
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Pre-hydration and slower infusion rates help reduce side effects.
Monitoring
During IVIG therapy, doctors monitor:
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Kidney function, hydration status, and antibody levels.
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Response to treatment (e.g., fewer infections or improved autoimmune control).
Why IVIG Has Been Considered in Autism
Some research suggests that a subset of children with autism may have immune system irregularities, such as:
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Abnormal immune activation or inflammation in the brain or body
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Low immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgA, or IgM)
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Frequent infections or autoimmune features
Because IVIG can modulate immune responses, some clinicians have hypothesized that it might improve symptoms in children whose autism has an immune-related component.
Tests before IVIG Treatment
Before starting IVIG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin) treatment, you will be required to complete several assessments to ensure the therapy is safe and appropriate for you. These include a series of blood tests, stool tests, and an EEG (electroencephalogram).
An MRI scan is also available if your healthcare provider recommends it as part of your evaluation.
Please allow 7 to 14 days for all tests to be completed and for the results to be received before your IVIG treatment can begin.
Tests required:
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Routine Blood Test
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TB Cell Subset
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12 Cellular Genetic Tests
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Comprehensive Biochemical Test (Liver function, kidney function, blood glucose, blood lipids)
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Immunoglobulin Protein Tests
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4 to 8 Virus Tests
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Total IgE
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Allergen-Specific IgE
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Blood Ammonia
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Lactic Acid
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Vitamin AD
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12-Hour EEG (Electroencephalogram)
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NSE (Neuron-Specific Enolase)
Please note that all tests must be completed within the hospital. The hospital will not accept results from external laboratories or clinics.
IVIG Treatment Plan
Once all the pre-treatment tests are finished and reviewed, your child’s IVIG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin) treatment will be scheduled. The plan is carefully designed for each child based on their health and test results.
Most children need three treatment cycles, though sometimes up to six may be recommended. Each cycle includes three days of IVIG infusions in a row, with each session lasting around seven hours per day. You’ll need to stay in the hospital for three days and two nights for each cycle. The rooms are comfortable and set up for one child and two adults, with a private bathroom so your family can rest and relax during the stay.
Plan to be at the clinic for 3–4 days each month for about three months. This includes time for your doctor consultation and the infusion sessions.
Your first trip will take a little longer — please allow up to two extra weeks for the initial assessments and testing before starting treatment.
All IVIG treatments are done under close medical care. Nurses and doctors will monitor your child throughout the infusions to make sure everything goes smoothly and safely. Some children may feel a bit tired or have a mild headache afterward, but these effects are usually short-lived.
After each cycle, your doctor will check your child’s progress and decide whether to continue or adjust the plan. Every step is guided by your child’s needs to make sure they get the best possible care and support.
IVIG Prices
Pre-Treatment Tests
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Blood Tests: All blood tests required for IVIG — 5,100 yuan
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EEG (Overnight): Conducted to monitor brain activity — 1,960 yuan
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Total (all IVIG-related tests): 7,060 yuan (≈ USD 970)
Please note: You may be asked to complete additional pre-treatment tests, such as stool tests or heavy metals hair tests, especially if you are planning to undergo FMT (Fecal Microbiota Transplant) alongside IVIG treatment. These tests help ensure your child’s gut health and immune system are carefully evaluated before starting therapy.
IVIG Treatment (Per Visit)
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IVIG: 3,075 yuan per dose (1 dose per 10 kg of body weight)
Example: Lilli weighs about 20 kg, so she receives 2 doses per day × 3 days = 6 doses total = 18,450 yuan -
Room Fee: 1,180 yuan per night × 2 nights = 2,360 yuan
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Other Fees: Materials, medicine, nursing care, and hospital services ≈ 3,000 yuan
Total per visit: ≈ 24,000 yuan (≈ USD 3,300)
Complete Treatment Plan
Most children complete three IVIG treatment cycles, once per month.
So, the total cost for three visits is:
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24,000 yuan × 3 = 72,000 yuan
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Plus initial testing (7,060 yuan)
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Grand Total: ≈ 79,060 yuan
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(approximately USD 10,800 depending on exchange rate)
Hospital
Beijing Hospital
For children and adults with autism, Beijing Hospital offers a multi-therapy program that may include:
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Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) to balance gut bacteria
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Stem cell therapy (in research or clinical settings)
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Behavioral and rehabilitative therapies
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Nutritional, metabolic, and detox support
Many international patients choose this hospital for holistic treatment plans addressing both neurological and gut-related aspects of autism.
To know more about the facilities, environment, and patient experience at the Hospital,
please check out my Instagram Highlights for behind-the-scenes videos, treatment updates, and patient journey stories.
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