Non-specific immunoglobulin titres against cytomegalovirus: an alternative to hyperimmune presentation.
OBJECTIVE
Specific immunoglobulin against cytomegalovirus has demonstrated its effectiveness in preventing and treating infections in solid organ transplantation. Several studies indicate that non-specific immunoglobulin is just as effective. This study aims to determine anti-cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin titres from one of the non-specific immunoglobulin presentations authorised in Spain.


METHODS
This was an observational study, in which we analysed the anti-cytomegalovirus antibody titres from different batches of Flebogamma(®) 5% 5g used at the Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron during 2008 and 2009.


RESULTS
We analysed 27 batches, which included 18,944 vials of Flebogamma(®) 5%. Depending on the origin, the median concentration of anti-cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin was 28PEI-U/ml and 22PEI-U/ml per vial of North American and Spanish origin, respectively (CI 95% for the difference of the medians 5 to 6PEI-U/ml; p<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The anti-cytomegalovirus antibody concentration of the non-specific immunoglobulin batches analysed was slightly lower than in the specific immunoglobulin preparations. These differences can be compensated by adjusting the dosage.
Campany Herrero
D
D
Servei de Farmàcia, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, España. dcampany@vhebron.net
Guiu Segura
J M
JM
Vallvé Alcón
E
E
Cardona Pacual
I
I
Monterde Junyent
J
J
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000276:immunology*; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D007136:Immunoglobulins