[High-dose immunoglobulin therapy of hyperbilirubinemia in rhesus incompatibility]

We conducted a multicenter controlled trial to test the hypothesis that high intravenous doses of immunoglobulin (HDivIg) can modulate the bilirubin production and reduce the frequency of exchange transfusions in newborn infants with rhesus incompatibility. Thirty-four patients with rhesus incompatibility proven by positive direct antiglobulin test (Coombs test) were randomly assigned to conventional treatment including phototherapy, with or without additional HDivIg at 500 mg/kg given over 2 h, as soon as the diagnosis was established. Exchange transfusions were performed if serum bilirubin concentrations exceeded the modified curves of Polácek by more than 2 mg/dl. The results in 32 infants were analyzed. In the HdivIg-treated group, 2 of 16 (12.5%) children required exchange transfusions, whereas it became necessary in 11 of 16 (69%) in the control group (p < 0.005). Bilirubin levels in the HDivIg-treated group were lower despite a reduced frequency of exchange transfusions. We conclude that HDivIg by a yet unknown mechanism reduces bilirubin serum levels in children with rhesus incompatibility and the need for exchange transfusions.