PROSPECTIVE-STUDY ON THE HEPATITIS SAFETY OF INTRAVENOUS IMMUNOGLOBULIN, PH 4.25

Recent reports of transmission by intravenous gamma-globulin preparations of non-A non-B hepatitis (NANBH), including several cases that progressed to severe liver damage and death, have raised concerns about the safety of intravenous gamma-globulin. However, the problem does not seem to be widespread. To assess this issue, we previously reported the results of liver function tests monitored in 41 patients with primary immumodeficiency treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IGIV), pH 4.25 over periods ranging from 6 to 15 months. Eighteen of these patients at two of the three centers have now had serial serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) levels performed regularly at intervals of 1-5 weeks while continuing monthly intravenous infusions of nonmodified IGIV, pH 4.25 for an additional 14-26 months. The standard dosage was 400 mg per kg body weight IGIV, pH 4.25. Six lots of IGIV, pH 4.25 were used. Transient minor SGPT elevations were observed in 5 of the patients on a total of 8 occasions. None of the elevations was considered indicative of NANBH or of any chronic hepatic disease. All patients remained negative for hepatitis B surface antigen throughout the study.