Journal of Clinical and Cellular Immunology
Open Access

Abstract

Detection of Complications Following Intravenous Immunoglobulins Infusion in A Cohort of Egyptian Children

Aisha Elmarsafy, Nermeen M Galal, Shrouk M Abdallah and Ilham Youssry

Background: Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) are scarce biological products that are increasingly used in an expanding variety of disorders. Tolerance to infusions is usually well but adverse events, including serious ones have been reported.

Objectives: The study aimed at detection of adverse events following IVIG infusion in relation to preparation, dosing regimen, duration and infusion hours with identification of patients at risk of developing complications.

Material and Methods: An observational study was conducted on a cohort of 55 patients (birth-18 years) who received 62 infusion sessions for different disease conditions over a period of six months. Monitored clinical evaluation and laboratory assessments were done with follow up 7-10 days following the infusions.

Results: Adverse events occurred in 37.1% of IVIG infusion sessions ranging from mild reactions as skin rash, fever to more severe anaphylactoid ones as serum sickness, anemia and acute renal failure. Infusion rate and the presence of risk factors were strong predicting variables for numerous reactions.

Conclusion: Proper justification for use of IVIG with close monitoring of dosage and infusion rate during administration can avoid some reactions. Weighing benefits against hazards is crucial in high risk patients to minimize complications.