Subcutaneous immunoglobulin replacement therapy in a heart transplant recipient with severe recurrent infections.
Intravenous immunoglobulin has been shown to decrease the risk of post-transplant infections in heart recipients with IgG hypogammaglobulinemia, however the use of subcutaneous immunoglobulin has not been reported. We report on immune reconstitution, clinical efficacy and tolerability of subcutaneous immunoglobulin replacement therapy in a heart transplant recipient with secondary antibody deficiency. Maintenance of IgG levels, specific antibodies and control of infections were observed after change from intravenous immunoglobulin to subcutaneous immunoglobulin due to poor intravenous access. Recurrences of severe infections were observed when subcutaneous immunoglobulin infusions were stopped. Our observations suggest that subcutaneous immunoglobulin replacement therapy might be effective and well tolerated in selected heart recipients.
Servicio de Inmunologia, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañon, Madrid, Spain.
Javier
J
Carbone
Servicio de Cardiologia, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañon, Madrid, Spain.
Jesus
J
Palomo
Servicio de Cardiologia, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañon, Madrid, Spain.
Juan
J
Fernandez-Yañez
Servicio de Inmunologia, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañon, Madrid, Spain.
Elizabeth
E
Sarmiento
heart transplantation; hypogammaglobulinemia; infection; subcutaneous immunoglobulin