[Are immunoglobulins useful in the treatment of neonatal infections?]

Abstract

The new preparations of intravenously administered intact immunoglobulins have revived the interest of paediatricians in these products for the treatment and prevention of infections in neonates. Experimental animal studies and clinical trials have given equivocal results. In the treatment of neonatal infections, immunoglobulins are probably effective when they are given soon after the onset of the infection and above all provided that the preparation administered contains specific antibodies in sufficient amounts. As regards the prevention of infections in neonates at risk, and particularly in premature infants, the multicentre clinical trials carried out so far have given conflicting results, so that it cannot be concluded that the systematic administration of immunoglobulins to these populations is unquestionably effective. These insufficient results are probably due to the lack of specificity of polyvalent immunoglobulins.