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IVIG and Long COVID

"Could IVIG Help Recovery from Long COVID?"

Long after the initial infection clears, millions of people experience lingering fatigue, brain fog, breathlessness, and neurological symptoms that disrupt daily life. Scientists now understand that Long COVID involves persistent immune dysregulation – an immune system that won't quiet down. IVIG therapy, long used to treat immune disorders, is emerging as a potential solution:

Could IVIG's immune-rebalancing power help reset the body after Long COVID?

What is IVIG?

IVIG is a purified collection of antibodies derived from healthy donors' blood plasma. For decades, IVIG has been an FDA-approved therapy for immune deficiencies and certain autoimmune diseases. It works by providing a broad mix of strong, well-trained antibodies that are delivered intravenously. Once inside you, those antibodies can bolster a weakened immune system or "coach" an overactive immune system to settle down.

Why Long COVID Involves the Immune System

Emerging research reveals that Long COVID is fundamentally an immune disorder.

After SARS-CoV-2 infection, some people's immune systems remain stuck in a heightened state – producing inflammatory signals, autoantibodies, or failing to properly regulate immune cells. This persistent immune activation affects nearly every organ system, causing the wide-ranging symptoms characteristic of Long COVID.

Studies show that Long COVID patients often have abnormal immunoglobulin levels, persistent inflammation markers, and disrupted lymphocyte patterns months after recovery. This immune dysregulation can trigger neurological symptoms like brain fog, cardiovascular issues including microvasculitis, autonomic dysfunction, and the crushing fatigue that defines post-viral syndromes.

For example, researchers have documented that autoantibodies and inflammatory cytokines remain elevated in Long COVID patients, potentially attacking the nervous system and blood vessels. The theory is that resetting immune balance could allow the body to finally complete its recovery process.

Using this framework, modulating the immune response could be key to resolving Long COVID symptoms. IVIG, a powerful immune regulator, is now being studied as a way to restore normal immune function after viral infection. In fact, immune perturbation has been identified as a primary target for Long COVID therapies.

The bottom line: A restored immune balance could mean restored health, and IVIG is a tool clinicians are using to achieve that reset.

The Research

Clinical data offer compelling early evidence. Multiple case series and trials demonstrate meaningful improvements in Long COVID patients treated with IVIG.

Remarkable improvement in 6 of 6 patients

University of Kentucky researchers treated six Long COVID patients with long-term high-dose IVIG.

All six patients experienced "significant to remarkable clinical benefit" in neurological, cardiac, and pulmonary symptoms.

Patients reported resolution of brain fog, chest pain, and fatigue, with some returning to their "pre-COVID self."

NIH Launches Trials for Long COVID Treatment Breakthroughs

Autoimmune Institute, 2024
IVIG shows effectiveness in neuroimmune conditions

A comprehensive review found that IVIG demonstrates proven efficacy in autoimmune neuropathies and shows promising outcomes in COVID-19-related neurological complications.

The analysis highlighted IVIG's ability to modulate inflammation and support recovery in virus-triggered immune disorders, providing rationale for Long COVID treatment.

IVIG Demonstrates Effectiveness in Several Neuroimmune Conditions

IVIG is proven effective for autoimmune neuropathies like CIDP and GBS, comparable to plasma exchange.

Research for COVID-19 and long COVID shows mixed results. IVIG may help ME/CFS due to immune similarities.

More clinical trials are needed to clarify its role, dosing, and patient selection in these conditions.

Candidate Profile

IVIG for Long COVID is not for everyone. Ideal candidates are:

Adults with Long COVID symptoms persisting 3+ months after initial infection, particularly neurological or cardiac symptoms
Individuals with documented immune abnormalities (low immunoglobulins, persistent inflammation markers, lymphocyte perturbations)
Patients experiencing severe fatigue, brain fog, autonomic dysfunction, or post-exertional malaise unresponsive to other treatments
Current Advanced Allergy patients with post-viral immune dysregulation seeking evidence-based therapeutic options

Contact Us

For more information, and to book an appointment with Dr. Bouboulis for an evaluation, reach out to us using the form below:

Disclaimer: IVIG for long COVID is investigational. Results may vary. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. All evaluations in this arena are private-pay (self-funded).