Abstract
Previous reports have indicated that intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) preparation reduces some types of inflammatory cytokines. In the present study, we investigated the short-term and direct effects of IVIG in 16 patients with sepsis. Following the administration of 5 g of IVIG for 1 hour, we took blood samples immediately following IVIG treatment and at 1 hour after IVIG treatment. Blood samples taken at 1 hour and just prior to IVIG administration were used as controls. While there was no difference between 1 hour before and just prior to IVIG treatment, statistically significant decreases were observed in the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) after the administration of IVIG. No significant changes were observed in the plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and high mobility group box 1. We confirmed the results of previous animal studies. While we reported that the administration of IVIG directly reduces the plasma levels of IL-6 in patients with sepsis, a further prospective study of the anti-cytokine effects following IVIG treatment will be conducted in the near future.
