What are the major differences between the 2000 AHMAC IVIg guidelines and the new Criteria?
The Criteria document differs from the 2000 AHMAC IVIg guidelines in two important ways. Firstly, an increased number and broader range of conditions are considered. Ninety-four conditions or groups of conditions are considered. The Criteria describes 12 conditions for which IVIg use has an established therapeutic role; 22 for which IVIg has an emerging therapeutic role; and 25 for which IVIg should be used in exceptional circumstances only, such as in urgent or life-threatening circumstances. The Criteria also lists 36 conditions for which IVIg therapy is not supported at this time, either because there is evidence of no benefit, insufficient evidence of benefit, or some evidence of benefit but preferred alternative therapies are available. The list of ‘non-indications’ includes some that were considered Category 2 indications in the 2000 guidelines, for example, asthma. Secondly, the Criteria document describes explicit qualifying, exclusion and review criteria that should be fulfill
