title: High-dose intravenous IgG for the treatment of severe rhesus alloimmunization.
abstract: The value of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in the treatment of 24 severely Rh-sensitized pregnant women was studied. IVIG was infused at a daily dose of 0.4 g/kg maternal body weight for 4-5 consecutive days, and was administered again 15-21 days later until delivery, depending on the evolution of the hemolytic disease. Our population was divided into 3 groups according to the time of onset of therapy: group 1 (n = 8), before 20 weeks' gestation; group 2 (n = 7), 20-28 weeks, and group 3 (n = 9), after 28 weeks. Initial mean anti-D level was significantly higher in group 1 (25.9 +/- 12.9 IU/ml) than in the other 2 groups, whose mean values were, however, higher than 10 IU/ml. Amniotic-fluid total bilirubin levels before the onset of therapy were pathologic, and in 55% of the cases they coincided with zone 3 of Liley's chart. Hydrops fetalis at the onset of treatment accounted for the only 3 fetal deaths in groups 1 and 2. None of the fetuses developed hydrops during treatment. Six of the 9 neonates in group 3 were depressed at birth (1-min Apgar below 7). However, at 5 min only 1 newborn showed an Apgar below 7. Mean birth weight was over 2,500 g in all the cases. Neonatal hematological condition in group 2 (50% of the babies required only phototherapy) was better than in the other 2 groups (transfusional therapy). There was a significant fall in maternal anti-D titers and intrauterine hemolysis after IVIG treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
authors.affiliation: Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Juan A. Fernández Hospital, University of Buenos Aires School of Medicine, Argentina.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Margulies
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Voto
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mathet
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Margulies
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000378:metabolism; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012203:Rh Isoimmunization / Q000628:therapy*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
chemical_list: D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous