Intravenous immunoglobulin: what nurses need to know

Neonatal sepsis continues to be a major source of morbidity and mortality among preterm infants. Although traditional antibiotic therapy continues to be the mainstay of treatment for sepsis, intravenous gammaglobulin (IVIG) is being used in both prevention and treatment of neonatal sepsis as a means to boost the infant's immunocompetence. The article explores the conflicting results of clinical trials testing the efficacy of IVIG for neonatal sepsis. IVIG is discussed with regard to its mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, dosage and administration, adverse reactions, and nursing implications.