Intravenous immunoglobulin for sepsis prevention in preterm infants

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate whether intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) can prevent sepsis in premature newborn infants. The study group consisted of 80 preterm newborn infants, who were divided into two groups: 40 preterm newborns received IVIG prophylactically (group A) and the control group (group B, n = 40) did not receive IVIG. IVIG was given at a dose of 500 mg/kg to infants. weighing greater than 1500 g, and 700 mg/kg to those weighing less than 1500 g at birth on days one, two and eight of life. By two, eight and 12 days of age, the treatment group had significantly greater IgG concentrations than the control group. Mortality was 7.5 percent (3/40) in group A and 27.5 percent (11/40) in group B (p < 0.01). Bacteremia was determined in three blood cultures in group A and eight in group B, particularly S.aureus and S.enteritis.