title: Home infusion of intravenous immune globulin in human immunodeficiency virus-infected children.
abstract: Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) is administered prophylactically to reduce the development of secondary infections in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children whose helper-inducer T-cell (CD4) lymphocyte count is greater than 200 cells/mm3. By progressively crippling the body's immune system, HIV allows opportunistic infections, which account for approximately 90% of AIDS-related deaths, to develop. In a recently published controlled study conducted by the National Institute for Child Health and Development (N Eng J Med 1991:325:73-80), children who received monthly infusions of IVIG experienced significantly more time free of infection. Home administration of IVIG is safe, convenient, and cost-effective. The first dose of IVIG, however, is administered in a hospital or clinic under physician supervision. Mild side effects occur in approximately 3% to 5% of patients; at least 90% of these effects are related to the infusion rate. In this article, a suggested protocol for home administration including commonly reported side effects and precautionary measures of anaphylaxis is presented.
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Poole
mesh_terms: D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002648:Child; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous