Abstract

BACKGROUND Sepsis is an overwhelming reaction to infection that comes with high morbidity and mortality. It requires urgent interventions in order to improve outcomes. Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) are considered as potential therapy in sepsis patients. Results of trials on IVIG as adjunctive therapy for sepsis have been conflicting due to the variability in population characteristics, country geography and drug dosage form in different studies. METHODS A systematic article search was performed for eligible studies published up to January, 31, 2023, through the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure database. The included articles were screened by using rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to different IVIG types, ages and economic regions. All analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.4. Quality of studies and risk of bias were evaluated. RESULTS In total, 31 randomized controlled trials were included with a sample size of 6,276 participants. IVIG could reduce the mortality (RR 0.86, 95% CI: 0.77-0.95, p = 0.005), the hospital stay (MD - 4.46, 95% CI: - 6.35 to - 2.57, p = 0.00001), and the APACHE II scores (MD - 1.65, 95% CI: - 2.89 to - 0.63, p = 0.001). Additionally, the results showed that IgM-enriched IVIG was effective in treating sepsis (RR 0.55, 95% CI: 0.40 - 0.76; p = 0.0003), while standard IVIG failed to be effective (RR 0.91, 95% CI: 0.81-1.02, p = 0.10). And the effect of IVIG in reducing neonatal mortality was inconclusive (RR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.81-1.05, p = 0.24), but it played a large role in reducing sepsis mortality in adults (RR 0.70, 95% CI: 0.57-0.86, p = 0.0006). Besides, from the subgroup of different economic regions, it indicated that IVIG was effective for sepsis in high-income (RR 0.89, 95% CI: 0.79-0.99, p = 0.03) and middle-income countries (RR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.28-0.84, p = 0.01), while no benefit was demonstrated in low-income countries (RR 0.56, 95% CI: 0.27-1.14, p = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS There is sufficient evidence to support that IVIG reduces sepsis mortality. IgM-enriched IVIG is effective in both adult and neonatal sepsis, while standard IVIG is only effective in adult sepsis. IVIG for sepsis has shown efficacy in high- and middle-income countries, but is still debatable in low-income countries. More RCTs are needed in the future to confirm the true clinical potential of IVIG for sepsis in low-income countries.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Sepsis is a major cause of mortality and morbidity globally, with around one-quarter of all sepsis-related deaths occurring in children under the age of 5. We conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review of the literature to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of an IgM-enriched immunoglobulin preparation in pediatrics patients and neonates with sepsis. METHODS Systematic searches of PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Embase databases were performed in November 2022, with no date limitations, to identify studies in which IgM-enriched immunoglobulin was used as adjunctive therapy in neonatal and pediatric patients with sepsis. RESULTS In total, 15 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria, 13 neonatal studies and 2 pediatric studies. Pooled estimates from all studies indicated that mortality rates were significantly lower in patients who received treatment with the IgM-enriched immunoglobulin compared with controls (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.32-0.55). Further analyses in neonatal studies, alone, showed a significant benefit with longer treatment durations (>3 days) vs. the recommended treatment duration (3 days) (OR 0.32; 95% CI 0.22-0.47) vs. (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.41-0.92). Treatment with IgM-enriched immunoglobulin was associated with a lower mortality risk compared with controls in prospective studies vs. retrospective analyses (OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.27-0.51) vs. (OR 0.73; 95% CI 0.41-1.30). CONCLUSIONS This systematic review suggests that adjunctive treatment with IgM-enriched immunoglobulin may reduce the risk of mortality in neonatal and pediatric populations. However, large randomized controlled trials are required to further substantiate and evaluate these findings.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES Neonatal sepsis is one of the leading causes of neonatal deaths in neonatal intensive care units. Hence, it is essential to review the evidence from systematic reviews on interventions for reducing late-onset sepsis (LOS) in neonates. METHODS PubMed and the Cochrane Central were searched from inception through August 2020 without any language restriction. Cochrane reviews of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) assessing any intervention in the neonatal period and including one or more RCTs reporting LOS. Two authors independently performed screening, data extraction, assessed the quality of evidence using Cochrane Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation, and assessed the quality of reviews using a measurement tool to assess of multiple systematic reviews 2 tool. RESULTS A total of 101 high-quality Cochrane reviews involving 612 RCTs and 193,713 neonates, evaluating 141 interventions were included. High-quality evidence showed a reduction in any or culture-proven LOS using antibiotic lock therapy for neonates with central venous catheters (CVC). Moderate-quality evidence showed a decrease in any LOS with antibiotic prophylaxis or vancomycin prophylaxis for neonates with CVC, chlorhexidine for skin or cord care, and kangaroo care for low birth weight babies. Similarly, moderate-quality evidence showed reduced culture-proven LOS with intravenous immunoglobulin prophylaxis for preterm infants and probiotic supplementation for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Lastly, moderate-quality evidence showed a reduction in fungal LOS with the use of systemic antifungal prophylaxis in VLBW infants. CONCLUSIONS The overview summarizes the evidence from the Cochrane reviews assessing interventions for reducing LOS in neonates, and can be utilized by clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and consumers for decision-making and translating evidence into clinical practice.

Abstract

Haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) can be associated with significant morbidity. Prompt treatment with intensive phototherapy (PT) and exchange transfusions (ETs) can dramatically improve outcomes. ET is invasive and associated with risks. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) may be an alternative therapy to prevent use of ET. An international panel of experts was convened to develop evidence-based recommendations regarding the effectiveness and safety of IVIG to reduce the need for ETs, improve neurocognitive outcomes, reduce bilirubin level, reduce the frequency of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions and severity of anaemia, and/or reduce duration of hospitalization for neonates with Rh or ABO-mediated HDN. We used a systematic approach to search and review the literature and then develop recommendations from published data. These recommendations conclude that IVIG should not be routinely used to treat Rh or ABO antibody-mediated HDN. In situations where hyperbilirubinaemia is severe (and ET is imminent), or when ET is not readily available, the role of IVIG is unclear. High-quality studies are urgently needed to assess the optimal use of IVIG in patients with HDN.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of preventing and treatment of pharmaceuticals on intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) by systematic review. METHODS The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning pharmaceutical prevention and treatment about ICU-AW in SinoMed, CNKI, Wanfang data, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMbase, and other sources were searched from their foundation to May 30th, 2019. The patients in the intervention group were treated with drugs to prevent or treat ICU-AW; and those in control group were treated with other rehabilitation methods. Data searching, extracting and quality evaluation were assessed by two reviewers independently. Stata 12.0 software was then used for Meta-analysis. Only descriptive analysis was conducted when only one study was enrolled. RESULTS A total of 11 RCTs were enrolled with 1 865 patients in the intervention group and 1 894 in the control group. The results of quality evaluation showed that 4 studies were A-level and 7 studies were B-level, indicating that the overall quality of the enrolled literature was high. Meta-analysis showed that intensive insulin therapy could prevent ICU-AW [relative risk (RR) = 0.761, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 0.662-0.876, P = 0.000], but reduced phenylalanine loss (nmolx100 mL(-1)xmin(-1): -3+/-3 vs. -11+/-3, P < 0.05) and glutamine intake (nmolx100 mL(-1)xmin(-1): -97+/-22 vs. -51+/-13, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the prevention and treatment of ICU-AW between other drugs (including growth hormone, glutamine, dexmedetomidine, neostigmine, oxandrolone, and intravenous immunoglobulin) and control group. CONCLUSIONS Intensive insulin therapy can prevent ICU-AW, but the risk of hypoglycemia will increase. Other drugs including growth hormone, glutamine, dexmedetomidine, neostigmine, oxandrolone, and intravenous immunoglobulin have no obvious advantages in the prevention and treatment of ICU-AW, so no drug has been recommended to prevent and treat ICU-AW.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Sepsis is characterized by a complex immune response. This meta-analysis evaluated the clinical effectiveness of intravenous IgM-enriched immunoglobulin (IVIgGM) in patients with sepsis and septic shock. METHODS Four databases, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, the ISI Web of Knowledge, and Embase, were systematically searched from inception to June 2018 to update the 2013 edition of the Cochrane review by two investigators, who independently selected studies, extracted relevant data, and evaluated study quality. Data were subjected to a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA) for the primary and secondary outcomes. Level of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) scale. RESULTS Nineteen studies comprising 1530 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled analyses showed that the use of IVIgGM reduced the mortality risk of septic patients (relative risk 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52-0.69, I(2) = 0%). TSA showed that IVIgGM had a significant effect on mortality. Additionally, the meta-analysis suggested that use of IVIgGM shortened length of mechanical ventilation (mean difference - 3.16 days; 95% CI - 5.71 to - 0.61 days) and did not shorten length of stay in the intensive care unit (mean difference - 0.38 days; 95% CI - 3.55 to 2.80 days). The GRADE scale showed that the certainty of the body of evidence was low for both benefits and IVIgGM. CONCLUSION Administration of IVIgGM to adult septic patients may be associated with reduced mortality. Treatment effects tended to be smaller or less consistent when including only those studies deemed adequate for each indicator. The available evidence is not clearly sufficient to support the widespread use of IVIgGM in the treatment of sepsis. Trial registration PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018084120. Registered on 11 February 2018.

Abstract

PURPOSE Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been proposed as an adjunctive therapy for sepsis. Related systematic reviews and meta-analyses of IVIG in sepsis indicate that IVIG can reduce the mortality of sepsis in adults. However, the effective dose of IVIG has not been clearly determined to date. We aimed to conduct an updated meta-analysis and use a network meta-analysis to elucidate the efficacy of IVIG dosing regimens in sepsis treatment. METHODS We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and EMBASE for articles published on or before February 14, 2019. We performed a direct meta-analysis to update a previous meta-analysis of the effects of IVIG therapy on mortality in adult patients with septic shock and a network meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of IVIG dosing regimens in sepsis treatment. FINDINGS Compared with the control treatment, the IVIG treatment reduced the all-cause mortality of patients with sepsis (odds ratio = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.41-0.92; P = 0.018), but significant heterogeneity was found across the studies (I(2) = 45.0%; P = 0.04). Regarding the IVIG dosage regimens, the highest total dose range (1.5-2 g/kg) was the optimal dose of administration (surface under the cumulative ranking curve = 84.7%). IMPLICATIONS On the basis of the available data, IVIG treatment is likely to reduce the all-cause mortality of patients with sepsis, and the highest total dose range (1.5-2 g/kg) is likely the optimal dose of administration.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a life-threatening condition, which occurs in children after sustaining a burn. Often diagnosed retrospectively, many patients may not receive optimal treatment.The primary objective of this study was to evaluate a severe and complex case of TSS at our unit and subsequently conduct a Preferred Reporting for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-compliant systematic literature review, to identify cases of postthermal injury TSS and evaluate their presentation and management. CASE REPORT A 9-year-old boy with Down syndrome presented with a 7% total body surface area scald to his back and posterior head. Four days after discharge, he developed a fever. The following day, he deteriorated, becoming stridulous and unresponsive. A working diagnosis of TSS was made. The patient's intensive care stay was arduous with multiple complications, including 2 cardiac arrests. METHODS A Preferred Reporting for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-compliant systematic literature review was conducted. MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched using key terms "burns, thermal injury, scalds, paediatric, child, infant, neonate, toxic shock syndrome" to identify cases. Two authors independently checked each study against inclusion criteria. RESULTS The systematic literature search yielded 9 articles, identifying 40 cases. Ages ranged between 9 months and 8 years. The mean number of days' postburn patients presented with symptoms of TSS was 2.5 days (1-7 days). The most common presenting symptoms were fever (75%), rash (70%), and diarrhea, and/or vomiting (52.5%). Intravenous immunoglobulins were administered in 11 (27.5%) cases. DISCUSSION We have highlighted a case where a possible delayed diagnosis along with the immunodeficiency seen in Down syndrome may have impacted the severity of TSS. The literature review highlighted that a significant proportion of patients do not meet diagnostic criteria. CONCLUSIONS It is fundamental that appropriate diagnostic and management guidelines are developed. Furthermore, this case highlights the importance of educating patient's carers and health professionals of key symptoms to be wary of postburn.

Abstract

We evaluated the effect of adjunctive intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) on mortality in clindamycin-treated streptococcal toxic shock syndrome patients using a meta-analysis. In association with IVIG, mortality fell from 33.7% to 15.7% (risk ratio 0.46, 95% confidence intervals 0.26-0.83, p=0.010) with remarkable consistency across the single randomised and four non-randomised studies.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Exchange transfusion and phototherapy have traditionally been used to treat jaundice and avoid the associated neurological complications. Because of the risks and burdens of exchange transfusion, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) has been suggested as an alternative therapy for alloimmune hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) to reduce the need for exchange transfusion. OBJECTIVES To assess the effect and complications of IVIg in newborn infants with alloimmune HDN on the need for and number of exchange transfusions. SEARCH METHODS We performed electronic searches of CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase (Ovid), Web of Science, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Academic Search Premier, and the trial registers ClinicalTrials.gov and controlled-trials.com in May 2017. We also searched reference lists of included and excluded trials and relevant reviews for further relevant studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We considered all randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials of IVIg in the treatment of alloimmune HDN. Trials must have used predefined criteria for the use of IVIg and exchange transfusion therapy to be included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used the standard methods of Cochrane and its Neonatal Review Group. We assessed studies for inclusion and two review authors independently assessed quality and extracted data. We discussed any differences of opinion to reach consensus. We contacted investigators for additional or missing information. We calculated risk ratio (RR), risk difference (RD) and number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) for categorical outcomes. We calculated mean difference (MD) for continuous variables. We used GRADE criteria to assess the risk of bias for major outcomes and to summarize the level of evidence. MAIN RESULTS Nine studies with 658 infants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Term and preterm infants with Rh or ABO (or both) incompatibility were included. The use of exchange transfusion decreased significantly in the immunoglobulin treated group (typical RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.49; typical RD -0.22, 95% CI -0.27 to -0.16; NNTB 5). The mean number of exchange transfusions per infant was also significantly lower in the immunoglobulin treated group (MD -0.34, 95% CI -0.50 to -0.17). However, sensitivity analysis by risk of bias showed that in the only two studies in which the treatment was masked by use of a placebo and outcome assessment was blinded, the results differed; there was no difference in the need for exchange transfusions (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.98) or number of exchange transfusions (MD -0.04, 95% CI -0.18 to 0.10). Two studies assessed long-term outcomes and found no cases of kernicterus, deafness or cerebral palsy. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Although overall results show a significant reduction in the need for exchange transfusion in infants treated with IVIg, the applicability of the results is limited because of low to very low quality of evidence. Furthermore, the two studies at lowest risk of bias show no benefit of IVIg in reducing the need for and number of exchange transfusions. Based on these results, we have insufficient confidence in the effect estimate for benefit of IVIg to make even a weak recommendation for the use of IVIg for the treatment of alloimmune HDN. Further studies are needed before the use of IVIg for the treatment of alloimmune HDN can be recommended, and should include blinding of the intervention by use of a placebo as well as sufficient sample size to assess the potential for serious adverse effects.