Detection of IVIG is not effective in the treatment of neonatal leukemia

In a worldwide study, scientists working at the University of Sydney, Australia concluded that the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in the treatment of neonatal sepsis is an expensive and ineffective treatment.

Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of death in newborns.

International Infant Immunotherapy Research Group (INIS) investigated the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in the treatment of blood infections in more than 3000 children from Global resuscitation departments for babies.

The results of this study were published in the New England Journal of Medicine , published on September 30, 2011.

In this study, the scientists concluded that the death rate or severe disability in newborns with septicemia is 39%, in cases where capital is suspected or proven to be used for treatment. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) - is equal to the death rate or severe disability as in cases where patients are treated with placebo.

Infants with low levels of antibodies against infection, are called immunoglobulins. Previous research has suggested that: use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in the treatment of neonatal sepsis, a human blood product derived from donated blood, can be halving the number of deaths in infected babies, according to Professor William Tarnow-Mordi, Director of Neonatal Trials at the NHMRC University of Sydney Clinical Testing Center, Australia and Director WINNER Infant Research Center.

Professor Tarnow-Mordi, who led the study in Australia, added: "While some health professionals regularly recommend IVIG to treat newborns suspected of having a blood infection, others are waiting for the research results of INIS researchers ".

IVIG is costly and the supply is limited. This treatment requires considerable time and effort to manage, with an increased risk of fluid overload or the risk of spreading infectious diseases during a hospital stay.

'The results of the study confirm the doubts about the usefulness of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for the treatment of neonatal sepsis. Instead of using IVIG in newborns, we can devote precious resources to treatment for other patients more effectively. "

Associate Professor John Ziegler, President of the NSW Medical Association IVIG user group, said: "Members of the International Infant Immunotherapy Research Group (INIS) have achieved achievements. This study has contributed to encouraging other researchers to pursue research on the effectiveness and cost of using IVIG in the treatment of other diseases, where the role for IVIG has not been confirmed yet. "

Professor Warwick Anderson, Executive Director of the National Health and Medical Research Council, added: "International Infant Immunotherapy Studies illustrates the importance of high quality research credibility for clinical treatment trials in all age groups ".

More than 40% of newborns participating in this trial have been recruited in neonatal intensive care units in Australia or New Zealand, in collaboration with the Center for Clinical Research Experimental Research Center. and National Health University of Sydney, Australia.

Globally, the trials are coordinated with the National Epidemiology Department, at the University of Oxford, USA, led by Professor Peter Brocklehurst.

This research was funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, with additional funding by the British Medical Research Council and the New Zealand Health Research Council. The IVIG supply in Australia comes from the blood stock of the Australian Red Cross and is funded by the Australian government.