1.
Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy Versus Antibiotic Prophylaxis as Treatment for Incomplete Primary Antibody Deficiency
Smits BM, Kleine Budde I, de Vries E, Ten Berge IJM, Bredius RGM, van Deuren M, van Dissel JT, Ellerbroek PM, van der Flier M, van Hagen PM, et al
Journal of clinical immunology. 2020
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with an IgG subclass deficiency (IgSD) ± specific polysaccharide antibody deficiency (SPAD) often present with recurrent infections. Previous retrospective studies have shown that prophylactic antibiotics (PA) and immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IRT) can both be effective in preventing these infections; however, this has not been confirmed in a prospective study. OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of PA and IRT in a randomized crossover trial. METHODS A total of 64 patients (55 adults and 9 children) were randomized (2:2) between two treatment arms. Treatment arm A began with 12 months of PA, and treatment arm B began with 12 months of IRT. After a 3-month bridging period with cotrimoxazole, the treatment was switched to 12 months of IRT and PA, respectively. The efficacy (measured by the incidence of infections) and proportion of related adverse events in the two arms were compared. RESULTS The overall efficacy of the two regimens did not differ (p = 0.58, two-sided Wilcoxon signed-rank test). A smaller proportion of patients suffered a related adverse event while using PA (26.8% vs. 60.3%, p < 0.0003, chi-squared test). Patients with persistent infections while using PA suffered fewer infections per year after switching to IRT (2.63 vs. 0.64, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION We found comparable efficacy of IRT and PA in patients with IgSD ± SPAD. Patients with persistent infections during treatment with PA had less infections after switching to IRT. CLINICAL IMPLICATION Given the costs and associated side-effects of IRT, it should be reserved for patients with persistent infections despite treatment with PA.
2.
Granulocyte transfusions in neutropaenic children: a systematic review of the literature
van de Wetering MD, Weggelaar N, Offringa M, Caron HN, Kuijpers TW
European Journal of Cancer. 2007;43((14):):2082-92.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Granulocyte transfusions (GTX) have been used for decades in paediatric neutropaenic patients, but uncertainty remains regarding their effectiveness. We reviewed all the paediatric data available on GTX, to gain a insight in to the indications for use, favourable effects and side effects in patients and donors. METHODS A comprehensive search was done in MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS and CENTRAL (1966 until 2006). All studies including children (1-18 years) who received GTX were included. RESULTS A total of 66 observational studies were included: seven using prophylactic and 59 therapeutic GTX. Of the therapeutic studies 55 reported a proven sepsis caused by Gram- negative bacteria (34%) or fungal disease (48%) as the indication for GTX. Concerning effectiveness 70% survival was reported, but no controlled studies were identified. Side effects were mentioned in 27 studies including mild respiratory symptoms, allergic reactions and infection related complications (CMV). Side effects in the donor were mainly flu-like illness. DISCUSSION In this first review covering 30 years of experience on the use of GTX in children, we found no randomised evidence showing a positive benefit risk ratio. The available case reports and cohort studies alert us as to the potential benefits and harms of the use of GTX in neutropaenic children and provides the basis for a well designed trial in children.