Background/Aim. Intravenous immunoglobulin is a blood product made of human
polyclonal immunoglobulin G. The mode of action of intravenous immunoglobulin
is very complex. It is indicated in treatment of neonatal immune
thrombocytopenia and haemolytic disease of the newborn. The aim of the study
was to present our experience in the use of intravenous immunoglobulin in a
group of term neonates. Methods. We analysed all relevant clinical and
laboratory data of 23 neonates who recieved intravenous immunoglobulin during
their hospitalization in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Mother and Child
Health Care Institute over a five year period, from 2006. to 2010. Results.
There were 11 patients with haemolytic disease of the newborn and 12 neonates
with immune thrombocytopenia. All of them recieved 1-2 g/kg intravenous
immunoglobulin in the course of their treatment. There was no adverse effects
of intravenous immunoglobulin use. The use of intravenous immunoglobulin led
to an increase in platelet number in thrombocytopenic patients, whereas in
those with haemolytic disease serum bilirubin level decreased significantly,
so that some patients whose bilirubin level was very close to the exchange
transfusion criterion, avoided this procedure. Conclusion. The use of
intravenous immunoglobulin was shown to be an effective treatment in reducing
the need for exchange transfusion, duration of phototherapy and the length of
hospital stay in neonates with haemolytic disease. When used in treatment of
neonatal immune thrombocytopenia, it leads to an increase in the platelet
number, thus decreasing the risk of serious complications of
thrombocytopenia.
Use of intravenous immunoglobulin in neonates with haemolytic disease and immune thrombocytopenia
