The study included all DCT positive Rh isoimmunized babies admitted in the unit from August 2000 to February 2001.
Intravenous immunoglobulins in the dose of 500 mg/kg on day 1 and day 2 of life in addition to the standard
therapy. Babies who received
IVIG were compared with those who did not receive
IVIG for the peak
bilirubin levels, duration of
phototherapy, number of exchange transfusions, discharge PCV and the need for
blood transfusions for late
anemia till 1 months of age.
RESULTS: A total of 34 babies were eligible for the study. 8 babies received
IVIG and 26 babies only standard treatment. The mean maximum
bilirubin levels were significantly lower in the
IVIG group compared to the group who received NO
IVIG (16.52 +/- 2.96 Vs 22.72 +/- 8.84, p=0.004). Five babies in the
IVIG group (62.5%) and 23 babies in the NO
IVIG group required exchange transfusions (88.5%, p=0.014). 12 of the 26 babies in the NO
IVIG group required multiple exchange transfusions while none of the babies in
IVIG group required more one exchange transfusion (p=0.03). The mean duration of
phototherapy was 165 +/- 109 hours in the
IVIG group as against 119 +/- 56 hours in the NO
IVIG group (p=0.29).
Blood transfusion for
anemia was more common in the
IVIG group (37.5% Vs 11.5% p=0.126) though the packed cell volumes at discharge were similar in both the groups (39.5 +/- 11 Vs 40 +/- 5.1, P=0.92).
CONCLUSION: