Infections are a common complication after transplantation, and despite antimicrobial treatments, some patients develop new infectious episodes. The risk is higher among those with hypogammaglobulinemia, an immune disorder characterized by reduced concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG).
The study, published in Transplantation Direct, included patients who had suffered a severe post-transplant infection and had IgG concentrations below 600 mg/dL. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups; both received standard antimicrobial treatment, with one group also receiving five doses of IVIG over approximately three months.
The results suggest that adding IVIG to the standard treatment significantly reduces the risk of developing new infections and is associated with an increase in antibody concentrations against microorganisms.
This finding supports a potential clinical strategy: administering IGIV to transplanted patients who develop a severe infection and have IgG concentrations below 600 mg/dL. However, as a phase 2 trial, its results need confirmation in larger studies before widespread clinical practice.
The research involved the Gregorio Marañón General University Hospital, Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda University Hospital, and 12 de Octubre University Hospital in Madrid, along with Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital in Santander and Vall d'Hebron and Bellvitge University Hospitals in Barcelona. This collaboration highlights the value of network clinical research in evaluating new strategies and improving care for transplant patients.
