Should intravenous immunoglobulin be used in infants with isoimmune haemolytic disease due to ABO incompatibility?

J Paediatr Child Health. 2013 Dec;49(12):1072-8. doi: 10.1111/jpc.12440.

Abstract

The use of intravenous immunoglobulin in isoimmune haemolytic disease due to ABO incompatibility is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Blood Authority, Australia. However, the evidence these recommendations are based on appears limited and, in some instances, outdated. In our article, we review the current available literature to help answer the question, 'In infants with isoimmune haemolytic disease due to ABO incompatibility [P], does use of intravenous immunoglobulin and intensive phototherapy [I] compared with intensive phototherapy alone [C] provide any clinically important benefits [O]?'

Keywords: anaemia; haemolytic; hyperbilirubinaemia; immunoglobulin; infant; newborn.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • ABO Blood-Group System*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Erythroblastosis, Fetal / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / adverse effects
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Phototherapy

Substances

  • ABO Blood-Group System
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous