The use of plasma derived immunoglobulin products has expanded from use in the treatment of immune deficiency to include immunomodulatory therapy for the treatment of a growing number of immune mediated conditions. Consequently, uptake of immunoglobulin products has increased significantly. This has resulted in increased demand for immunoglobulin products and highlighted the need to develop clinical guidelines to support optimal use of these products in the treatment of immune disorders. Whilst guidelines on the indications for immunoglobulin therapy have been produced across the globe, until now, no specific document existed in the Asia Pacific region to provide guidance for immunologists and other clinicians on the approach to immunoglobulin replacement therapy for immune disorders in clinical practice.
In recognition of the growing economic and educational cooperation between Asia Pacific countries, the Asia Pacific Immunoglobulins in Immunology Expert Group (APIIEG) was formed to develop consensus recommendations for the use of immunoglobulin products in immune disorders in the whole region. The members of APIIEG were invited to take part in this endeavour due to their specific knowledge and experience with immunoglobulin replacement therapy for immune deficiencies and their willingness to devote significant time to the process.
The first meeting of the group took place in October 2006. By February 2008, the group established itself as an incorporated association. Following 17 months of vigorous debate, the consensus recommendations were finalised and ratified by the group in April 2008. During the development of the recommendations, APIIEG sought comment from the Asia Pacific Association of Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology (APAAACI) and the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA).
In addition to creating the consensus recommendations, the ‘Statement of Purpose’ of the Asia Pacific Immunoglobulins in Immunology Expert Group is to organise symposia and conventions on the subject of immunoglobulins and their use in immune disorders. The launch of the consensus recommendations at the 13th International Congress on Infectious Diseases in June 2008 in
APIIEG 13th ICID Poster (1.5MB)