title: Effect of gamma globulin infusion on type-specific pneumococcal antibody levels in splenectomized adults.
abstract: Using an ELISA technique, changes in specific antibody levels against pneumococcal serotypes 1, 4, 7F, 14, 18C and 23F were studied in 8 adults healthy at the time of investigation but splenectomized previously because of hematological disease following infusion of 200 mg/kg body weight of a commercially available immunoglobulin preparation for intravenous use (Sandoglobulin). Among the 4 patients with initially low serum levels of antipneumococcal antibodies, significantly raised antibody levels were demonstrated against type 14 for 8 weeks. On the other hand, the infusion did not lead to increased antibody levels in 3 patients with high preinfusion values for antipneumococcal antibodies. In contrast, a significantly lower antibody value for type 7F was recorded 3 weeks after infusion. Efficacy of immunoglobulin prophylaxis is, therefore, probably doubtful in certain splenectomized patients, and if contemplated should be preceded by analysis of antibody levels against common pathogens.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000745:Anemia, Hemolytic, Congenital / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011696:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D013156:Splenectomy; D013296:Streptococcus pneumoniae / Q000276:immunology*; D005719:gamma-Globulins / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D005719:gamma-Globulins