Current usage of intravenous immune globulin and the rationale behind it: the Massachusetts General Hospital data and a review of the literature

Practical Review of Necrotizing Fasciitis: Principles and Evidence-based Management

Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe, life-threatening soft tissue infection that presents as a surgical emergency. It is characterized by a rapid progression of inflammation leading to extensive tissue necrosis and destruction. Nonetheless, the diagnosis might be missed or delayed due to variable and nonspecific clinical presentation, contributing to high mortality rates. Therefore, early diagnosis and prompt, aggressive medical and surgical treatment are paramount. In this review, we highlight the defining characteristics, pathophysiology, diagnostic modalities, current principles of treatment, and evolving management strategies of necrotizing fasciitis.

Back to the Future? Immunoglobulin Therapy for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The findings of controlled trials on use of intravenous immunoglobulin G (IV IgG) to treat myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are generally viewed as representing mixed results. On detailed review, a clearer picture emerges, which suggests that the potential therapeutic value of this intervention has been underestimated. Our analysis is consistent with the propositions that: (1) IgG is highly effective for a proportion of patients with severe and well-characterised ME/CFS; (2) responders can be predicted with a high degree of accuracy based on markers of immune dysfunction. Rigorous steps were taken in the research trials to record adverse events, with transient symptom exacerbation commonly experienced in both intervention and placebo control groups, suggesting that this reflected the impact of participation on people with an illness characterised by post-exertional symptom exacerbation. Worsening of certain specific symptoms, notably headache, did occur more commonly with IgG and may have been concomitant to effective treatment, being associated with clinical improvement. The findings emerging from this review are supported by clinical observations relating to treatment of patients with severe and very severe ME/CFS, for whom intramuscular and subcutaneous administration provide alternative options. We conclude that: (1) there is a strong case for this area of research to be revived; (2) pending further research, clinicians would be justified in offering a course of IgG to selected ME/CFS patients at the more severe end of the spectrum. As the majority of trial participants had experienced an acute viral or viral-like onset, we further suggest that IgG treatment may be pertinent to the care of some patients who remain ill following infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Chronic intermittent intravenous immunoglobulin in heart transplant recipients with elevated donor-specific antibody levels

Donor-specific antibodies (DSA) are associated with antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) and poor patient survival. In heart transplant, the efficacy of intermittent intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in reducing de novo DSA levels and treating AMR has not been characterized. We retrospectively studied a cohort of 19 patients receiving intermittent IVIg for elevated DSA and examined changes in DSA levels and graft function. Intermittent IVIg infusions were generally safe and well tolerated. Overall, 23 of 62 total DSA (37%) were undetectable after treatment, 21 DSA (34%) had MFI decrease by more than 25%, and 18 (29%) had MFI decrease by less than 25% or increase. The average change in MFI was -51% ± 71% (P < .001). Despite reductions in DSA, among the six patients (32%) with biopsy-confirmed AMR, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decreased in five (83%) and cardiac index (CI) decreased in three (50%). Conversely, LVEF increased in 91% and CI increased in 70% of biopsy-negative patients. All six AMR patients were readmitted during treatment, four for confirmed or suspected rejection. IVIg infusions may stabilize the allograft in patients with elevated DSA and negative biopsies, but once AMR has developed does not appear to improve allograft function despite decreasing DSA levels.

Correlation of Coronary Artery Abnormalities with Fever Pattern in Patients with Kawasaki Disease

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence of coronary artery abnormalities (CAAs) by fever pattern after intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy in patients with Kawasaki disease.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective cohort study included 172 patients with Kawasaki disease aged ≤12 years who underwent IVIG therapy and had no CAAs before treatment. Resistance to initial IVIG was defined as persistent fever ≥37.5 °C for ≥24 hours after therapy or the recurrence of Kawasaki disease after initial defervescence. The patients were divided into 3 groups: IVIG responders, nonresponders with persistent fever, and nonresponders with recurrent fever. CAAs were evaluated 2 or 4 weeks and 12 months after onset and were defined by a coronary artery z-score ≥2.5.

RESULTS

The incidence of CAAs within 12 months after onset was significantly higher in nonresponders with persistent fever (27%) compared with the other 2 groups. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, being a nonresponder with persistent fever was an independent risk factor for having CAAs within 12 months after the onset of Kawasaki disease (OR, 6.48; P = .007).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with Kawasaki disease resistant to IVIG therapy, persistent fever, but not recurrent fever, was found to be a risk factor for the incidence of CAAs. Aggressive additional therapy may be beneficial to prevent CAA formation in patients with Kawasaki disease with persistent fever.

Therapeutic Potential of HLA-I Polyreactive mAbs Mimicking the HLA-I Polyreactivity and Immunoregulatory Functions of IVIg

HLA class-I (HLA-I) polyreactive monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) reacting to all HLA-I alleles were developed by immunizing mice with HLA-E monomeric, α-heavy chain (αHC) open conformers (OCs). Two mAbs (TFL-006 and TFL-007) were bound to the αHC’s coated on a solid matrix. The binding was inhibited by the peptide ¹¹⁷AYDGKDY¹²³, present in all alleles of the six HLA-I isoforms but masked by β2-microglobulin (β2-m) in intact HLA-I trimers (closed conformers, CCs). IVIg preparations administered to lower anti-HLA Abs in pre-and post-transplant patients have also shown HLA-I polyreactivity. We hypothesized that the mAbs that mimic IVIg HLA-I polyreactivity might also possess the immunomodulatory capabilities of IVIg. We tested the relative binding affinities of the mAbs and IVIg for both OCs and CCs and compared their effects on (a) the phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-activation T-cells; (b) the production of anti-HLA-II antibody (Ab) by B-memory cells and anti-HLA-I Ab by immortalized B-cells; and (c) the upregulation of CD4+, CD25+, and Fox P³+ T-regs. The mAbs bound only to OC, whereas IVIg bound to both CC and OC. The mAbs suppressed blastogenesis and proliferation of PHA-activated T-cells and anti-HLA Ab production by B-cells and expanded T-regs better than IVIg. We conclude that a humanized version of the TFL-mAbs could be an ideal, therapeutic IVIg-mimetic.

Estimation of the latent therapeutic demand for immunoglobulin therapies in autoimmune neuropathies in the United States

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The use of immunoglobulin (IG) solutions as an immunomodulatory therapy in certain neurological conditions has become an established modality and represents a significant proportion of total IG use. The estimation of the evidence-based potential demand designated as the latent therapeutic demand (LTD) for IG in these diseases is required for adequate planning of the plasma supply required to manufacture the product.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The diseases studied included chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). The LTD for IG was assessed using a decision analysis model, using Microsoft Excel. The model analysed the epidemiological and clinical factors contributing to IG usage. One-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis derived the LTD in grams per 1000 inhabitants. The key variables included the treatment schedule and the prevalence of the disease.

RESULTS

The model estimates that an average annual IG demand and standard deviation for CIDP, GBS and MMN in the United States is 83.05 ± 24.5, 6.1 ± 3.2 and 36.1 ± 25.5 g/1000 inhabitants, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Together with previous work on the LTD for IG in immunodeficiencies, these results indicate that current IG usage reflects the estimated LTD for the main indications for IG in the United States The wide range of LTD found in all these studies emphasizes the need for more precise assessment of the underlying variables, particularly disease prevalence and dosage. Further studies on other indications such as secondary immunodeficiencies will augment these results and will assist in guiding demand planning for IG use and plasma collection in the United States and inform blood policy in other countries.

Use of Human Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Veterinary Clinical Practice

Therapy with human intravenous immunoglobulin (hIVIG) as an immunomodulator in veterinary patients results in effective but transient immunosuppression, and may be viable as part of a multidrug strategy against immune-mediated thrombocytopenia and autoimmune cutaneous disease. Efficacy of hIVIG against other veterinary autoimmune diseases is questionable. Veterinary patients tolerate hIVIG therapy well, with few infusion reactions documented. Veterinary clinical trials of hIVIG are limited, and more work is needed to determine the true efficacy and risk of hIVIG administration in companion animals.

Single-Center Experience of Outcomes and Prescribing Patterns of IV Immunoglobulin Use in Critically Ill Patients

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Previous literature has not compared prescribing practices of IV immunoglobulin in medical ICU survivors and nonsurvivors. The objective of this study was to study IV immunoglobulin use in patients admitted to a medical ICU evaluating differences between hospital survivors and nonsurvivors in regards to level of evidence supporting use, prescribing patterns, and cost.

Recent advances in use of fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate, immunoglobulins, and clotting factors for transfusion support in patients with hematologic disease

Hematologic diseases include a broad range of acquired and congenital disorders, many of which affect plasma proteins that control hemostasis and immune responses. Therapeutic interventions for these disorders include transfusion of plasma, cryoprecipitate, immunoglobulins, or convalescent plasma-containing therapeutic antibodies from patients recovering from infectious diseases, as well as concentrated pro- or anticoagulant factors. This review will focus on recent advances in the uses of plasma and its derivatives for patients with acquired and congenital hematologic disorders.

Neuroinflammatory and Demyelinating Disorders of Childhood

In this chapter, we will review monophasic and recurrent demyelinating disorders in children. We will first review consensus definitions and provide an approach to the evaluation of children with first episode of acquired demyelinating disorder. We will discuss typical clinical and radiological features of these syndromes. In the second section, we will review features of recurrent demyelinating syndromes in children, focusing on clinical presentation and treatment options.

Isoagglutinin-reduced immunoglobulin retains efficacy in mouse models of immune thrombocytopenia and rheumatoid arthritis and is less likely to cause intravenous immunoglobulin-associated hemolysis

BACKGROUND

Immunoglobulin therapy including intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) has been used as an effective treatment for autoimmune/inflammatory conditions with few side effects. However, high‐dose IVIg (1‐2 g/kg) has been recognized as a cause of hemolytic anemia in non–blood group O patients. Hemolysis when observed has been due to anti‐A/anti‐B isoagglutinins contained in the IVIg. Recently, an isoagglutinin‐reduced IVIg, whereby the anti‐A and anti‐B titers have been reduced by immunoaffinity chromatography, has been introduced; however, whether this new product is as efficacious as nonreduced immunoglobulin (Ig) or will result in less IVIg‐associated hemolysis has not been resolved.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We used in vitro phagocytosis by monocytes and proinflammatory/anti‐inflammatory macrophages, with isoagglutinin‐reduced and ‐nonreduced Ig opsonized group A₁, B, and A₁B red blood cells, to estimate clinical significance of the IgG isoagglutinins. We also used immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) mouse models to examine the in vivo efficacy of isoagglutinin‐reduced versus ‐nonreduced Ig on the amelioration of the diseases.

RESULTS

In contrast to nonreduced Ig, phagocytosis was largely absent when isoagglutinin‐reduced Ig was used at a concentration equivalent to a patient receiving 2 g/kg.

The in vivo efficacy of isoagglutinin‐reduced versus nonreduced Ig on the amelioration of experimental ITP and RA was similar, indicating no loss of efficacy due to the chromatographic removal of isoagglutinins.

CONCLUSION

Isoagglutinin‐reduced Ig should have efficacy similar to nonreduced Ig and result in less IVIg‐associated hemolysis.

Safety evaluation of intravenous immunoglobulin in pediatric patients: a retrospective, 1-year observational study

Background:

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a pooled human plasma protein that has shown efficacy in treating a variety of disorders. IVIG is generally well tolerated and has a good safety profile. There are various IVIG products available on the market, which results in differences in efficacy and safety profile. The aim of this study was to assess the safety profile of IVIG use in pediatric patients and its association with other predicted factors.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review study of all pediatric patients who received IVIG as an inpatient at Hamad General Hospital in Qatar during 2014. The occurrence of adverse drug reactions (ADR) was tested for any association with other predicted factors, such as patient age, IVIG dose, brand, and adherence to infusion protocol.

Results:

A total of 345 IVIG prescriptions were received by pediatric patients during the study period. Most common documented side effects were: fever (5.8%), chills (2.6%), and headache (2%). Renal insufficiency was observed only in six cases, with five of those in ‘Risk’ category according to RIFLE criteria. A hypersensitivity reaction was documented in seven patients, despite being premedicated with paracetamol and/or diphenhydramine and following the infusion protocol. None of the predicted factors were found to be significantly associated with ADR incidence except IVIG brand.

Conclusions:

IVIG generally has a good safety profile in pediatric patients, with low risk of severe ADR. More studies are needed to evaluate the correlation between ADR and IVIG formulation, taking into account other factors that may affect results.

Changing trends in IVIG use in pediatric patients: A retrospective review of practices in a network of major USA pediatric hospitals

The use of immunoglobulins is gradually increasing. Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) are used as replacement therapy for primary and secondary immune deficiencies, and as an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory medication for the treatment of neurologic, dermatologic, and rheumatologic diseases. The objective of this study was to analyze trends in the IVIG use in pediatric patients hospitalized to 47 US-based children's hospitals from 2007 to 2014. IVIG was used for the treatment of >2300 primary diagnoses in 53,648 unique patients. The number of IVIG admissions increased by 30.2% during the study period, while the mean rate of IVIG admissions/100,000 admissions increased only 5.8%. Most patients receiving IVIG were children and adolescents. IVIG was frequently used off-label or for the treatment of FDA-approved indications in children under two years of age and BMT patients <20 years of age. Primary immune deficiencies represented only 1.2% of all IVIG admissions. Pediatric patients with mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome (Kawasaki disease, KD) and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) were two primary consumers of the IVIG. Another top-ranked indications were acute infectious polyneuritis (Guillain-Barré syndrome, GBS) and prophylaxis of infections in patients receiving antineoplastic chemotherapy. IVIG usage is a dynamic process guided by emerging evidence and FDA approval for new indications. IVIG was mostly prescribed for treatment of diseases with pathologic immune responses to foreign of self-antigens. These indications usually, require higher amounts of IVIG per admission. More studies are needed to understand whether IVIG treatments of off-label indications are effective and cost-efficient.

Impact of IgG Monitoring and IVIG Supplementation on the Frequency of Febrile Illnesses in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients Undergoing Maintenance Chemotherapy

Monitoring serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels in pediatric oncology patients and treating subtherapeutic levels with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) may prevent infections; however, evidence is limited. This retrospective study assessed pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients diagnosed 2006 to 2011 to evaluate if monitoring/supplementing IgG would reduce febrile illnesses during maintenance chemotherapy. A subject was categorized as "ever IgG monitored" if they had ≥1 IgG levels checked and their risk days were stratified into not IgG monitored days and IgG monitored days. IgG monitored days were further stratified into IgG monitored with IVIG supplementation, monitored with no IVIG supplementation (IgG level >500 mg/dL) and monitored with no IVIG supplementation days (IgG level <500 mg/dL). Generalized linear mixed effects poisson models were used to compare events (febrile episode, positive blood culture, and febrile upper respiratory infection rates among these groups. In 136 patients, the febrile episode rate was higher in the ever IgG monitored cohort than the never monitored cohort (5.26 vs. 3.78 episodes/1000 d). Among monitored patients, IVIG monitoring and supplementation did not significantly impact the febrile episode, febrile upper respiratory infection, or the positive blood culture rates. These data suggest that monitoring/supplementing low IgG is not indicated for infection prophylaxis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients during maintenance chemotherapy.

Long-Term Follow-Up after Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy in Patients with Severe Ocular Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid Unresponsive to Conventional Therapy

Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is a heterogeneous group of rare, systemic, autoimmune subepidermal inflammatory disease that affects mucous membranes and the eye. In its most severe forms, this disease needs systemic therapy, usually based on steroids and immunosuppressant agents. In unresponsive cases or in the presence of contraindications or severe side effects due to conventional systemic corticosteroid and/or immunosuppressant therapy, a therapy shift to high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) has been recommended in other reports. This new therapy has proven to be effective in stopping ocular pemphigoid, but the data regarding the long-term effect on the disease activity or reactivation are extremely scarce, so the novel scientific aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes after a 9-year follow-up in 12 eyes (6 patients) affected by MMP with ocular involvement, successfully treated with IVIg therapy, as previously described in our report published in 2008. The evaluation of ocular and extraocular disease progression was performed at the end of IVIg therapy and at the end of the follow-up period. After 9 years, all the eyes enrolled showed a long-lasting remission of ocular and oral symptoms with a significant steroid-sparing effect. In conclusion, the IVIg has to be considered as a safe and successful alternative therapy in patients with severe ocular mucous membrane pemphigoid; furthermore, this kind of therapy seems to be effective in maintaining the clinical remission by the time.

Effectiveness of immunoglobulin prophylaxis in reducing clinical complications of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Prophylactic immunoglobulin has been used with varying efficacy to reduce complications in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted of randomized controlled trials that assessed clinical outcomes (overall survival, transplant-related mortality, graft-versus-host disease [GVHD], veno-occlusive disease [VOD], interstitial pneumonitis, disease relapse, cytomegalovirus [CMV] infection and disease, non-CMV infection) of immunoglobulin prophylaxis versus placebo in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBM Reviews, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to June 2017. Quality of included studies and outcomes were evaluated via Risk of Bias assessment and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria, respectively.

RESULTS

Of 899 citations screened, 27 studies (n = 3934) were included. Immunoglobulin prophylaxis had no impact on survival (risk ratio [RR], 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88-1.01; 11 studies, n = 1962) but decreased risk of acute GVHD (RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.65-0.94; eight studies, n = 1097) and CMV disease (RR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.28-0.97; two studies, n = 167). Meta-analysis revealed increased risk of VOD (RR, 3.04; 95% CI, 1.10-8.41; three studies, n = 384) and disease relapse (RR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.07-1.49; seven studies, n = 1647). Other outcomes were small in sample size or nonsignificant. Results should be interpreted cautiously given the low quality of studies and evidence of outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Immunoglobulin prophylaxis did not have a significant effect on survival. Positive clinical effects were shown for acute GVHD and CMV disease and negative effects against VOD and disease relapse. No studies examined the effect of immunoglobulin treatment in hypogammaglobulinemic patients despite current guidelines, warranting further studies in this population.

Clinical and economic outcomes of a "high-touch" clinical management program for intravenous immunoglobulin therapy

Objective

To compare clinical and economic outcomes of patients who received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapies and were managed by a clinical management program vs the outcomes of matched controls using administrative claim data.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used the PharMetrics Plus™ claim database between September 1, 2011 and June 30, 2014. Patients in the intervention group were from a “high-touch” IVIG clinical management program administered by a home infusion specialty pharmacy. A greedy propensity score matching algorithm was used to identify a control group from non-program patients. Generalized estimating equation models were employed to evaluate differences between cohorts who were followed for 1 year.

Results

Clinical outcomes were measured as infections and infusion-related adverse events. The proportion of patients who had serious bacterial infections was significantly lower (4.13% vs 7.75%, P=0.049) in the intervention group (n=242) compared to the control group (n=968). Other clinical outcomes assessed were not different between cohorts (P>0.050). The economic outcomes were measured as healthcare costs. The annual adjusted mean total health care costs of patients in the program were $26,522 lower compared to matched controls, representing a 20% lower cost ($109,476 vs $135,998, P=0.002). A major contribution to this difference ($17,269) was IVIG-related total outpatient cost (intervention vs control groups: $64,080 vs $81,349, P=0.001).

Conclusion

The patients in this high-touch IVIG clinical management program appeared to have comparable infections or adverse event rates and significantly lower total health costs compared to their matched controls.

Predicting Factors for the Pattern of Intravenous Immunoglobulin Utilization in a Middle Eastern University Hospital

Objective:

The dramatic increase in the consumption of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) products in nonapproved indications, its high cost, and the severe shortage has developed the concerns of its irrational utilization, especially in the Middle East countries. Therefore, this clinical study attempts to describe the pattern of IVIG administration in one of the largest hospitals in Iran and find the variables associated with inappropriate IVIG utilization.

Methods:

This cross-sectional medication utilization study was conducted in one of the largest referral hospitals in Iran. Random IVIG administrations were assessed from different wards for 9 months. Different data were collected to evaluate the pattern of IVIG administration and find variables, which could predict this behavior.

Findings:

IVIG was prescribed for approved indications in 72% of 201 patients recruited in our study. Although, the rate of drug administration was appropriate in most of the study population, hydration and pre-medication were unsuitable in more than one-third of the patients. Among the variables analyzed to find the factors affecting the misuse of IVIG, female gender, older age of patients, and longer time to start IVIG administration due to hospital admission were statistically significant in the multivariate model.

Conclusion:

Despite the fact that inappropriate use of IVIG was confirmed in less than 30 % of its utilization for the studied patients, it caused a potential risk of treatment complications and a notable and unjustifiable burden of unnecessary costs for this University hospital.

Clinical indications for intravenous immunoglobulin utilization in a tertiary medical center: a 9-year retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) are a biologic product originally developed to treat immunocompromised patients. In the past decades, there has been increased utilization of IVIG in autoimmune conditions. The objectives were to evaluate the clinical use of IVIG in the largest tertiary medical center in Israel and to determine top uses, estimate off-label usage, and assess consumption of this blood product.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted an observational, retrospective study involving all patients who received IVIG from 2007 through 2015. Subjects were classified into five groups according to the indication for treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 1117 patients were identified. The mean (±SD) ages of adults and children were 55 ± 17 and 8 ± 7 years, respectively. Most common indication for treatment were immune-mediated conditions (54%), followed by secondary immunodeficiency (28%), primary immunodeficiency (10%), infections (4%), and miscellaneous (4%). The main immune-mediated conditions treated were hematologic disorders (305 patients, 27%), neurologic disorders (219 patients, 20%), and rheumatologic conditions (79 patients, 7%). Overall, a significant change in study period was observed in the number of patients (p < 0.001), consumption of IVIG (p < 0.01), and amount of IVIG administered per patient (p < 0.01). Fifty-six percent of the IVIG infusions were given for off-label Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indications.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we demonstrated that immune-mediated conditions represent the majority of indications for treatment with IVIG. We observed a 417% increase in IVIG administration (g) over time, attributed mainly to autoimmune diseases. Many indications are still off-label according to FDA recommendations.

Clinical Guidelines for the Antibiotic Treatment for Community-Acquired Skin and Soft Tissue Infection

Skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) is common and important infectious disease. This work represents an update to 2012 Korean guideline for SSTI. The present guideline was developed by the adaptation method. This clinical guideline provides recommendations for the diagnosis and management of SSTI, including impetigo/ecthyma, purulent skin and soft tissue infection, erysipelas and cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, pyomyositis, clostridial myonecrosis, and human/animal bite. This guideline targets community-acquired skin and soft tissue infection occurring among adult patients aged 16 years and older. Diabetic foot infection, surgery-related infection, and infections in immunocompromised patients were not included in this guideline.

Intravenous immunoglobulin in paediatric neurology: safety, adherence to guidelines, and long-term outcome

AIM

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is an expensive therapy used in immunodeficiency and autoimmune disorders. Increasing demands and consequent shortages result in a need for usage to conform to guidelines.

METHOD

We retrospectively evaluated IVIG use for neuroimmunological indications and adherence to existing guidelines in a major Australian paediatric hospital between 2000 and 2014.

RESULTS

One-hundred and ninety-six children (96 male, 100 female; mean age at disease onset 6y 5mo [range 3mo-15y 10mo], mean age at first IVIG dose 7y 2mo [range 3mo-16y 5mo]) received IVIG for neuroimmunological indications during the study period (28.1% had Guillain-Barré syndrome), representing 15.5% of all hospital indications. In total, 1669 IVIG courses were administered (total 57 221g, median 78g/patient, range 12-5748g). The highest median numbers of courses were in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathies, opsoclonus-myoclonus ataxia syndrome, suspected immune-mediated epilepsies, and Rasmussen's encephalitis. Adverse reactions occurred in 25.5% of patients, but these were mostly minor. Outcome at follow-up was best in anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and myasthenia gravis, and worst in Rasmussen's encephalitis and epilepsies. The total cost of IVIG was US$2 595 907 (median $3538/patient, range $544-260 766). Of patients receiving IVIG, 45.4% to 57.1% were given the therapy for 'weak' indications or indications 'not listed' in international guidelines. Some entities commonly treated with IVIG in current practice, such as anti-NMDAR encephalitis and transverse myelitis, are not listed in most guidelines.

INTERPRETATION

Our study demonstrates that IVIG is generally well tolerated but expensive, and discloses discrepancies between guidelines and clinical practice in paediatric neurology, suggesting both the need for greater adherence to current recommendations, and for recommendations to be updated to accommodate emerging indications.

The Production Processes and Biological Effects of Intravenous Immunoglobulin

Immunoglobulin is a highly diverse autologous molecule able to influence immunity in different physiological and diseased situations. Its effect may be visible both in terms of development and function of B and T lymphocytes. Polyclonal immunoglobulin may be used as therapy in many diseases in different circumstances such as primary and secondary hypogammaglobulinemia, recurrent infections, polyneuropathies, cancer, after allogeneic transplantation in the presence of infections and/or GVHD. However, recent studies have broadened the possible uses of polyclonal immunoglobulin showing that it can stimulate certain sub-populations of T cells with effects on T cell proliferation, survival and function in situations of lymphopenia. These results present a novel and considerable impact of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment in situations of severe lymphopenia, a situation that can occur in cancer patients after chemo and radiotherapy treatments. In this review paper the established and experimental role of polyclonal immunoglobulin will be presented and discussed as well as the manufacturing processes involved in their production.

Protocol for updating a systematic review of randomised controlled trials on the prophylactic use of intravenous immunoglobulin for patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is commonly employed in the management of haematological malignancies. This intervention results in an increased risk of infectious and immune-related complications. Prophylactic immunoglobulin therapy has been used to prevent post-HSCT complications, including infections, with varying efficacy. We sought to update the current evidence supporting the use of immunoglobulins in the modern HSCT era.

METHODS/ANALYSIS

Using a structured search strategy, we will perform a systematic review of the literature from MEDLINE, EMBASE and all EBM Reviews databases. We will include randomised clinical trials investigating clinical outcomes of prophylactic polyvalent immunoglobulin or cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific immunoglobulin or plasma in patients undergoing HSCT. Clinical outcomes will include overall survival, transplant-related mortality, CMV infection, CMV disease, graft-versus-host disease, interstitial pneumonitis/fibrosis and hepatic veno-occlusive disease. Studies that only reported the results of biochemical tests will be excluded. Data will be extracted by two investigators independently. Study quality assessment will be evaluated using a validated five-point system as proposed by Jadad. Trial quality will be further assessed by identifying whether there was adequate allocation concealment. Where appropriate, a meta-analysis will be performed where relative risk will be used as the primary summary measure with 95% CIs. Pooled measures will be calculated for randomised clinical trials using a random-effects model. The Cochrane Q/χ(2) test and I(2) statistic will also be calculated to evaluate heterogeneity. We will also use a visual inspection of a funnel plot to assess potential publication bias.

DISCUSSION

This systematic review aims to provide current evidence to justify the use of immunoglobulin prophylaxis in HSCT recipients. We will discuss whether current HSCT guidelines are supported by the current evidence, and whether further trials are needed, given the changing landscape of patients undergoing HSCT and the immunoglobulin manufacturing process.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42015016684.

Treatment of autoimmune hemolytic anemias

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a relatively uncommon disorder caused by autoantibodies directed against self red blood cells. It can be idiopathic or secondary, and classified as warm, cold (cold hemagglutinin disease (CAD) and paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria) or mixed, according to the thermal range of the autoantibody. AIHA may develop gradually, or have a fulminant onset with life-threatening anemia. The treatment of AIHA is still not evidence-based. The first-line therapy for warm AIHA are corticosteroids, which are effective in 70-85% of patients and should be slowly tapered over a time period of 6-12 months. For refractory/relapsed cases, the current sequence of second-line therapy is splenectomy (effective approx. in 2 out of 3 cases but with a presumed cure rate of up to 20%), rituximab (effective in approx. 80-90% of cases), and thereafter any of the immunosuppressive drugs (azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporin, mycophenolate mofetil). Additional therapies are intravenous immunoglobulins, danazol, plasma-exchange, and alemtuzumab and high-dose cyclophosphamide as last resort option. As the experience with rituximab evolves, it is likely that this drug will be located at an earlier point in therapy of warm AIHA, before more toxic immunosuppressants, and in place of splenectomy in some cases. In CAD, rituximab is now recommended as first-line treatment.

LC-MS analysis of polyclonal IgGs using IdeS enzymatic proteolysis for oxidation monitoring

Susceptibility of IgGs to oxidation is a significant issue for intravenous immunoglobulin preparations (IVIG) in liquid solution and raises both safety and efficacy concerns. Here we present an optimized chromatography method coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) to determine the oxidation of Fc/2 fragments derived from polyclonal IgGs after IdeS treatment. Separation of the four IgG subclasses was achieved using a diphenyl column and UV/MS detections were used for quantification and characterization. Several oxidized Fc/2 fragments generated by stress conditions were resolved and oxidized methionines were identified. This procedure can be used to monitor the oxidative status of IVIG preparations during formulation or stability studies.

Intravenous human immunoglobulin treatment of serum from HLA-sensitized patients in kidney transplantation

OBJECTIVE

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) products are known to have beneficial immunomodulatory effects on several inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. These effects could be attributed to a different inhibitory action on complement factors, but other mechanisms could be implicated, e.g., immunocomplexes development and/or anti-idiotypic antibodies. Positive results on the reduction of anti-Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) antibodies in highly sensitized patients have also been found. The present study focuses on the effect of IVIG on the reduction of Panel Reactive Antibody level and crossmatch positivity in sensitized patients awaiting kidney transplantation.

METHODS

The study was performed adapting an in vitro assay on sensitized patients' sera in waiting list for kidney transplantation. Sera of twelve highly sensitized patients were evaluated for the cytotoxicity inhibition after 10% IVIG treatment.

RESULTS

A reduction of anti- HLA antibody levels was observed in 75% (9/12) of treated patients in vitro, while 25% (3/12) resulted unresponsiveness. Particularly, our data showed a significantly higher Panel Reactive Antibody reduction for T lymphocytes (p<0.010) than B lymphocytes (p<0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we have used an in vitro assay to investigate susceptibility to desensitization with IVIG treatment of sensitized patient sera. These findings reveal that the variable effect of IVIG on reducing Panel Reactive Antibody in our immunized patients could be attributed to a different inhibitory action on complement, likely due to the type and the titre of anti-HLA antibodies.

Use of intravenous immunoglobulin in an Asian paediatric population over a 10-year period

AIMS

There is a paucity of data on the pattern of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) usage in the paediatric population. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, trends, indications and burden of cost of IVIG usage in the Singaporean paediatric population.

METHODS

Pharmacy data of all IVIG prescriptions between 2000 and 2009 in the two major paediatric public hospitals in Singapore were retrospectively reviewed. Each prescription was cross-referenced with the patient's hospital records to confirm the administration of IVIG and indication of use.

RESULTS

Over the 10-year period, a total 78,155 g of IVIG valued at an estimated $5.2 million was prescribed. There was an increasing trend of 445.6 g/year (P = 0.02) over this period. Analysis of patients showed that the most common indication for IVIG use was Kawasaki disease, both in terms of the proportion of patients (60%) and amount of IVIG used (34%). Kawasaki disease was also the only indication where there were significant increasing trends in both patient numbers (7.4 patients/year) and amount of IVIG used (247.5 g/year). The indications with the highest amount of IVIG used per patient were for conditions related to primary immunodeficiency diseases and stem cell transplantation, where repeat transfusions were required. More than 75% of indications were Food and Drug Administration approved.

CONCLUSION

Albeit substantial and increasing, the use of IVIG in Singaporean children is mostly evidence based.

Update on immununosuppressive therapies for dogs and cats

Treatment of immune-mediated disease in dogs and cats continues to evolve as new therapies are introduced or adapted from human medicine. Glucocorticoids remain the first-line therapy for many of the immune-mediated or inflammatory diseases of cats and dogs. The focus of this article is to provide an update on some of the common immunosuppressive therapies used in small animal veterinary medicine. The goals of therapy are to induce disease remission through the inhibition of inflammation and the modulation of lymphocyte function.

Necrotizing soft tissue infections

Necrotising soft tissue infection (NSTI) presents unique challenges in diagnosis and management. The key to a successful outcome is a high index of suspicion in appropriate clinical settings. Type II NSTI tends to occur on an extremity in younger, healthier patients with a history of known trauma, and to be monomicrobial. Type I NSTI tends to occur on the trunk of older, less healthy patients without an obvious history of trauma, and tends to be polymicrobial. Other, rarer types exist as well. The pathophysiology of both types involves superantigen acticivty, as well as a number of microbial byproducts which collectively decrease the viscosity of pus, facilitating its spread along deep tissue planes and ultimately causing diffuse deep thrombosis and aggressive systemic sepsis. The most important physical finding is tenderness to palpation beyond the area of redness, and the lack of crepitus should not be seen as a reassuring sign. Suspected cases should undergo early surgical exploration for diagnosis, which may be performed at bedside through a small incision. Most imaging techniques are not sufficiently specific to warrant a delay in surgical exploration. The Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotising Fasciitis (LRINEC) shows promise as a tool for excluding suspected cases. Successful outcomes in cases of NSTI require early and aggressive serial debridement and a multidisciplinary critical care approach.

Home care use of intravenous and subcutaneous immunoglobulin for primary immunodeficiency in the United States

PURPOSE

Utilization reports on immunoglobulin (Ig) use for immunodeficiency in the United States (U.S.) have focused on prescribing practices in hospitals. There have been no large-scale reports on Ig use for immune deficiency in the home. We investigated the use of Ig in 3,187 subjects diagnosed with primary immunodeficiency.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data on 4,580 subjects in the U.S. receiving Ig in 2011 was obtained from a major home care provider. Demographics, route, dose, and frequency of Ig use by subjects with ICD-9 coded primary immunodeficiencies were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 4,580 subjects, 3,187 had ICD-9 codes suggesting primary immunodeficiencies; 1,939 (60.8 %) were females and 1,248 (39.2 %) were males, with age ranging from 0 to 95 years. The predominant diagnoses were: common variable immunodeficiency (279.06; n=1,764; 55.3 %), hypogammaglobulinemia (279.00; n=635; 19.9 %), unspecified immunity deficiency (279.3; n=286; 9 %), other selective Ig deficiencies (279.03; n=171; 5.4 %), and agammaglobulinemia (279.04; n=127; 4 %). 54 % of subjects received Ig by the subcutaneous (SC) route, and 46 % by intravenous (IV) route, with more SC use by older subjects. The mean dose prescribed was 483 mg/kg/month, but less Ig was ordered for subjects on SCIg (409 mg/kg/month), as compared to subjects on IVIg (568 mg/kg/month). A highly significant inverse correlation between increasing age and dosage of Ig ordered was found (P= <.0001).

CONCLUSION

Analysis of home care use of Ig in primary immune deficiency revealed that the SC route was prescribed more than the IV route, especially for older patients. By either method of administration, less immunoglobulin was prescribed for older subjects.

A review of current indications, adverse effects, and administration recommendations for intravenous immunoglobulin

OBJECTIVE

To review and summarize the body of literature regarding human intravenous immunoglobulin (hIVIG) therapy in veterinary medicine. Mechanism of action, usage in human medicine, adverse effects of therapy, implications for veterinary use, and administration recommendations are discussed.

DATA SOURCES

Current human and veterinary peer-reviewed medical literature including original research articles and scientific reviews.

HUMAN DATA SYNTHESIS

There are currently 6 labeled uses for hIVIG in human medicine, but preparations are used off-label to successfully treat multiple immune-mediated conditions. To maximize the potential of hIVIG use in animals and identify areas deficient in research, a review of the current literature is warranted.

VETERINARY DATA SYNTHESIS

Investigation of hIVIG therapy in veterinary patients has been limited to the subjects of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP), Evan's syndrome, cutaneous disease, myasthenia gravis (MG), and sudden acquired retinal degeneration (SARDS). Proponents of veterinary hIVIG use believe administration may reduce transfusion requirements and decrease hospitalization time.

CONCLUSION

Immunoglobulin (Ig) has not been shown to decrease transfusion requirements in IMHA patients, but shows great promise for treatment of ITP and dermatological diseases. Although serial transfusion of hIVIG is employed in human medicine, repeated transfusion is not recommended in animals due to risk of severe allergic reaction. Other potential adverse effects of transfusion include delayed hypersensitivity reactions, thromboembolism, renal failure, hypotension, and aseptic meningitis.

Polyclonal immunoglobulins and hyperimmune globulins in prevention and management of infectious diseases

Immunoglobulin therapy has a rich history of use in preventing and treating infectious diseases; however, clinical data on the efficacy of immunoglobulin is lacking for many infectious diseases. Immunoglobulin therapy is routinely used in postexposure prophylaxis for bacterial infections, including tetanus, botulism, and diphtheria, and viral infections, including hepatitis A and B and varicella. Immunoglobulin therapy has also been used in many severe and life-threatening infections where treatments are limited, including toxic shock syndrome, respiratory syncytial virus infection, and cytomegalovirus infection. The authors review the evidence for the use of immunoglobulin therapy in common adult infectious diseases.

The burden of immune thrombocytopenia in adults: evaluation of the thrombopoietin receptor agonist romiplostim

BACKGROUND

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a chronic, immune-mediated disease characterized by a transient or long-lasting decrease in platelet counts. ITP is associated with numerous serious clinical consequences. Discussed here are clinical aspects of ITP, the humanistic and economic burden of ITP, and current treatment options with a focus on romiplostim, a thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonist. The aim of this review is to provide decision-makers with the background information necessary to evaluate the value of romiplostim.

SCOPE

PubMed was searched for relevant, English-language papers published from January 2006 through November 2011 relating to the epidemiology and treatment options of chronic ITP, and, focusing on the TPO mimetic romiplostim, patient-reported outcomes (PRO) and economic burden. Recent select conference abstracts were also reviewed.

FINDINGS

The initial clinical management of ITP (e.g., corticosteroids, immunoglobulins) is often associated with adverse events and recommended for short-term use only. Splenectomy, a potentially curative second-line treatment, is associated with increased risks of bleeding and infection, and patients often require additional long-term drug intervention. ITP and its sequelae are associated with a substantial burden on patients' health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) and increased medical costs. Use of TPO receptor agonists in ITP patients may represent a more efficient use of healthcare resources than existing therapies.

CONCLUSION

While this literature review is not a systematic review, e.g., it considers only approved therapies and published literature written in English, it provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical, humanistic, and economic factors that should be considered in treating ITP, particularly with new agents such as romiplostim. Among the limited number of safe and effective therapies currently available for chronic ITP, highly effective and well-tolerated medications such as romiplostim may reduce the healthcare resource utilization associated with ITP while improving patients' HRQoL.

[Necrotizing fasciitis. 2011 update]

Necrotizing fasciitis belongs to a group of complicated soft tissue infections that can be even life threatening. Despite growing knowledge about its etiology, predictors, and the clinical progression, the mortality remains at a high level with 20%. A relevant reduction can be achieved only by an early diagnosis followed by consistent therapy. The clinical findings in about 75% of the cases are pain out of proportion, edema and tenderness, blisters, and erythema. It is elementary to differentiate a necrotizing or a non-necrotizing soft tissue infection early. In uncertain cases it can be necessary to perform a surgical exploration to confirm the diagnosis. The histopathologic characteristics are the fascial necrosis, vasculitis, thrombosis of perforating veins, the presence of the disease-causing bacteria as well as inflammatory cells like macrophages and polymorphonuclear granulocytes. Secondly, both the cutis and the muscle can be affected. In many cases there is a disproportion of the degree of local and systemic symptoms. Depending on the infectious agents there are two main types: type I is a polymicrobial infection and type II is a more invasive, serious, and fulminant monomicrobial infection mostly caused by group A Streptococcus pyogenes.Invasive, severe forms of streptococcal infections seem to occur more often in recent years. Multimodal and interdisciplinary therapy should be based on radical surgical débridement, systemic antibiotic therapy as well as enhanced intensive care therapy, which is sometimes combined with immunoglobulins (in streptococcal or staphylococcal infections) or hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT, in clostridial infections). For wound care of extensive soft tissue defects vacuum-assisted closure has shown its benefit.