The use of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in a tertiary pediatric hospital

OBJECTIVES: To determine demographic features of patients provided intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) excluding replacement therapy in the inpatient services and to evaluate indications for IVIG, and side effects related to therapy. METHODS: Patients who received IVIG therapy between January 2016 and August 2018 were retrospectively identified. The demographic features, diagnosis, IVIG dose, number of days they underwent IVIG therapy, and whether or not they experienced IVIG-related side effects were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 186 patients were included in this study, and of these, 89 (47.8%) were females. The median age of all of the patients was 48.5 months old (range 13-120 months). When the IVIG indications were examined, the hematological disease group had the highest number of patients (n=73, 39.2%). The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labeled use rate was 45.7%. Side effects were seen in 15 (3.81%) of the 394 IVIG infusions, 2 of which were acute kidney failure and nausea/vomiting as delayed onset side effects. The rapid onset side effects included fever (n=5), headache (n=3), rash and redness (n=2), and pain in the infusion area, hypotension, and hypertension (n=1). CONCLUSION: Intravenous immunoglobulin preparations are used for the treatment of many diseases due to their immunoregulatory effects. In recent years, the use of IVIGs without FDA approval has been increasing.