Crossover study of immunoglobulin replacement therapy in patients with low-grade B-cell tumors.
A randomized crossover study of prophylactic immunoglobulin (IgG) therapy was performed in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Twelve patients with hypogammaglobulinemia or a history of recurrent infections received infusions of IgG or placebo intravenously (IV) every 3 weeks for 1 year. They were then switched to the alternative preparation for another year. The number of serious bacterial infections was significantly less (P = .001; Mainland's cross-over method) in the months in which patients received IgG. Serious bacterial infections showed a trend to be associated with an IgG level less than 6.4 g/L (P = .046; Fisher's exact test).
Griffiths
H
H
Department of Immunology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, England.
Brennan
V
V
Lea
J
J
Bunch
C
C
Lee
M
M
Chapel
H
H
D000368:Aged; D001402:B-Lymphocytes; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D007116:Immunization, Passive / Q000009:adverse effects; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000032:analysis; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011897:Random Allocation
D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous