Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026

Modeling Neonatal Intraventricular Hemorrhage Through Intraventricular Injection of Hemoglobin
Published on: August 25, 2022
Intravenous immunoglobulin to treat neonatal alloimmune haemolytic disease
Luigi Corvaglia1, Elena Legnani, Silvia Galletti
1Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Italy. luigi.corvaglia@unibo.it
Objective:
To compare the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and exchange transfusion (EXT) on rhesus haemolytic disease of the newborn (Rh-HDN) and evaluate treatment-related side effects.
Methods:
Retrospective chart review of two cohorts of newborns with Rh-HDN, treated with (Group 2) or without (Group 1) IVIg. Length of phototherapy, number of EXT, IVIg infusions, intrauterine and top-up red blood cells transfusions, need and permanence of umbilical venous catheter, and length of hospital stay, as well as treatment-related adverse events, were evaluated.
Results:
Charts of 88 newborns were reviewed (34 in Group 1, 54 in Group 2). Infants in Group 2 received a significantly lower number of EXT, had a lower risk of neurological impairment and needed an umbilical venous catheter for shorter, but required longer phototherapy, longer length of hospital stay, and more top-up transfusions. EXT was associated with a high number of adverse events. Two newborns treated with IVIg developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
Conclusions:
IVIg appear as an effective alternative to EXT, reducing the risk of neurological impairment and complications related to EXT. However, side effects of IVIg treatment (higher need of top-up transfusions and longer hospital stay) should be taken into account and the risk of NEC should be carefully monitored during treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Transcytosis of IgG
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Rh Blood Group
Blood Transfusion and Agglutination
History
The history of blood transfusion dates back to the 17th century, when early attempts were made in animals. In 1818 James Blundell, a British doctor, performed the first successful human blood transfusion. Later in 1900, Karl...
Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

