Pediatrics
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Meta Analysis
Meta-analyses of the effectiveness of intravenous immune globulin for prevention and treatment of neonatal sepsis.
To determine the effectiveness of intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) in the prevention and treatment of neonatal sepsis. ⋯ Using conservative and objective outcome rating criteria, the addition of IVIG to standard therapies is of minimal but demonstrable benefit in preventing sepsis when administered prophylactically to premature low birth weight newborns, and of unequivocal benefit in preventing death when administered therapeutically for early-onset neonatal sepsis. The likelihood of newborns with sepsis living past the neonatal period was improved nearly sixfold when IVIG was administered in addition to standard therapies.