Non-specific immunoglobulin titres against cytomegalovirus: An alternative to hyperimmune presentation

Objective

Specific immunoglobulin against cytomegalovirus has demonstrated its effectiveness in preventing and treating infections in solid organ transplantation. Several studies indicate that non-specific immunoglobulin is just as effective.

This study aims to determine anti-cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin titres from one of the non-specific immunoglobulin presentations authorised in Spain.

Method

This was an observational study, in which we analysed the anti-cytomegalovirus antibody titres from different batches of Flebogamma^® 5% 5g used at the Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron during 2008 and 2009.

Results

We analysed 27 batches, which included 18,944 vials of Flebogamma^® 5%. Depending on the origin, the median concentration of anti-cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin was 28 PEI-U/ml and 22 PEI-U/ml per vial of North American and Spanish origin, respectively (CI 95% for the difference of the medians 5 to 6 PEI-U/ml; P<.001).

Conclusions

The anti-cytomegalovirus antibody concentration of the non-specific immunoglobulin batches analysed was slightly lower than in the specific immunoglobulin preparations. These differences can be compensated by adjusting the dosage.