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Does IVIg administration yield improved immune function in very premature neonates?

Journal of Perinatology volume 30, pages 635–642 (2010)Cite this article

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Abstract

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) has been evaluated as an adjunctive therapy for neonatal sepsis with modest clinical success despite strong biological plausibility. Multiple factors contribute to this outcome, but perhaps none greater than the limited immune system function in newborns, especially in the very premature neonates. For very premature neonates (<30 weeks gestational age), understanding the effects of IVIg on specific immature immune system functions is particularly relevant given their preponderance to develop sepsis and therefore potentially benefit from IVIg-mediated immunoenhancement. Here, we review the available evidence for enhanced immune function after IVIg administration in very premature neonates and highlight areas for future research.

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  1. Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA

    J L Wynn & C M Cotten

  2. The Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA

    P C Seed

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Wynn, J., Seed, P. & Cotten, C. Does IVIg administration yield improved immune function in very premature neonates?. J Perinatol 30, 635–642 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2009.197

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