[High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy and neonatal jaundice due to red blood cell alloimmunization]

Arch Pediatr. 2009 Sep;16(9):1289-94. doi: 10.1016/j.arcped.2009.05.015. Epub 2009 Jul 7.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Neonatal jaundice resulting from immunological hemolysis is not uncommon. While it is possible to prevent a large number of Rh-isoimmune hemolytic diseases by administration of specific anti-D immunoglobulins to the mother, the prevention of incompatibility in the ABO groups is not feasible. In spite of advances made in the use of phototherapy, and in order to avoid kernicterus, the treatment of these jaundices can require one or several exchange transfusions (ET), a therapy which is not devoid of risk. For some time now, the data concerning the efficiency of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (HDIIT) in the treatment of these jaundices have been increasing. A review of the literature shows that, if used as soon as possible in newborn infants over 32 weeks of gestation age, afflicted with Rh or ABO hemolytic disease, the HDIIT brings about, with no undesirable side effects, a significant decrease in the ET number as well as a significant reduction in the length of phototherapy and hospitalization. The data suggesting that HDIIT could increase the risk of late transfusion is open to controversy.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / drug therapy*
  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / immunology
  • Erythroblastosis, Fetal / drug therapy
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use*
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Jaundice, Neonatal / drug therapy*
  • Jaundice, Neonatal / immunology
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Rh Isoimmunization / complications*
  • Rh Isoimmunization / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Immunologic Factors