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[Indications for passive immunotherapy in infectious diseases]
Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift
|January 17, 1987
Summary
Passive immunotherapy, including immunoglobulins and polyclonal antibodies, shows promise for treating and preventing infectious diseases. While some approaches offer benefits, further research is needed to define their exact role and optimal use.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Critical Care Medicine
Context:
- Review of passive immunotherapy indications in infectious diseases.
- Evaluation of intramuscular and intravenous immunoglobulins.
- Investigation of polyclonal antibodies against bacterial endotoxins.
Purpose:
- To review the current applications and efficacy of passive immunotherapy in infectious diseases.
- To assess the role of immunoglobulins and endotoxin-targeted antibodies.
- To identify areas for further research in passive immunotherapy.
Summary:
- Intramuscular immunoglobulins are useful for bacterial exotoxin diseases and viral prophylaxis, but efficacy against bacterial infections is unproven.
- Intravenous immunoglobulins show theoretical advantages and modest benefits in neonates and surgical ICU patients, but require more study.
- Polyclonal antibodies against endotoxins improve survival in gram-negative bacteremia and septic shock, and reduce shock incidence and mortality when used prophylactically.
Impact:
- Highlights the potential of passive immunotherapy in managing severe bacterial and viral infections.
- Identifies specific patient populations and conditions where passive immunotherapy may be beneficial.
- Underscores the need for ongoing research to optimize the use of these therapies and develop new antibody-based treatments.