Randomized Control Trial of IVIG as An Adjuvant in the Treatment of Preterm and or Low Birth Weight Neonatal Sepsis

Introduction: In developing countries neonatal sepsis ranks as most common illness responsible for neonatal mortality especially in low birth weight and preterm babies. In India, it is responsible for 25-50% of neonatal deaths in spite of early diagnosis and treatment. There have been many trials on various adjuvant therapies (like leukocyte transfer,GCSF, GMCSF, fibronectin, IVIG, FFP) in addition to specific antimicrobial therapy. There is still some controversy in the role of IVIG in treatment of neonatal sepsis. Hence the study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of IVIG in treatment of neonatal sepsis. Materials and Methods: 30 in group total 60 babieswith gestation < 32 wks and wt < 2000 gmwere enrolled in the study if they had one or more clinical features of sepsis and had elevated C ?reactive protein (>10mg/dl). Babies in both groups underwent investigations includingmicro ESR,WBC count, ANC, Platelet count, LFT, Blood culture & Urine culture. In IVIG group samples were drawn before giving IVIG. Results: There is no significant decrease in mortality, severity of illness and duration of hospital stay in IVIG group than control group. Conclusions: As of other studies, our study also did not show any significant role of IVIG as an adjuvant in the treatment of sepsis in preterm or low birth weight neonates. KEYWORDS: Leukocyte transfer,GCSF, GMCSF, Fibronectin, IVIG and FFP.