Immunoglobin G subclasses concentrations in low birth weight infants treated with intravenous immunoglobulins

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the use of intravenously administered immunoglobulin [IVIG] for improvement of IgG subclasses deficiencies, IVIG was administered in a protocol designed to maintain serum IgG subclasses concentrations within a normal level. The study consisted of 45 preterm low weight newborn infants, who were divided into two groups group A included 20 preterm newborn of body weight less than 1 kg and group B of newborn infants of body weight more than 1 kg, a ten reference control group who did not receive IVIG were also analyzed. IVIG was given in a dose of 500 mg/kg to infants weighing greater than 1 kg, and 700 mg/kg to those weighing less than 1 kg at birth. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy resulted in a significant increase in concentrations of IgG1, IgG2, and IgG4 subclasses [P < 0.0001, P < 0.02 and P < 0.001] respectively in infants with body weight less than 1 kg whereas there was a significant increase in serum levels of IgG1, and IgG2 subclasses [P < 0.0001 and P < 0.001] respectively in infants with body weight more than 1 kg. Our preliminary observations suggest that administration of [IVIG] can improve the IgG subclasses deficiencies in low weight new born infants