Assessment of Intravenous Immunoglobulin Indications in Pediatric Intensive Care

Objective: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is one of the most common biologic agents used in daily intensive care practice. Our aim in this study was to evaluate IVIg indications and side effects in patients hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit. Method: The data of 116 patients who received IVIg treatment between 2014-2018 in a tertiary level pediatric intensive care unit were retrospectively evaluated. Results: The patient group with the highest use of IVIg was found to have sepsis. The highest dose was detected in patients with Steven Johnson syndrome and the highest total dose was detected in patients with secondary immunodeficiency. Use of IVIg in off-label diseases was found more than use by indication. Conclusion: IVIg is a life-saving treatment in selected patients and clinical conditions. In our study, the most common disease group in which IVIg was used and concomitant highest mortality was found to be sepsis. In off-label diseases, especially in sepsis, the use of IVIg can be reduced with alternative treatments.