ISOANTIBODIES IN INTRAVENOUS IMMUNOGLOBUL INS - DETECTION AND SIDE-EFFECTS

Background: Intravenous immunoglobulins (IvIg) contain not only the de clared antibodies against pathogenic microorganisms, but also all the other antibodies of the blood donors, e. g. against erythrocytic antig ens. Materials and Methods: We tested 14 IvIg from 7 manufacturers (a total of 40 charges) for isoantibodies and irregular antibodies. To im prove the reading of our tests we used the gel centrifugation method ( ID-Microtyping-System(R), Fa. Diamed, Bensheim, Germany). Results: The highest isoantibody titers were (in 8 charges) 1:32 or 1:64 in the Li ss-Coombs test. Irregular antibodies were found in 5 IvIg (maximal tit er 1:8). Conclusions: Isoantibodies in the IvIg can influence blood gr oup serologic tests. With an example of a newborn who had received IvI g we point to the potential danger of misinterpretation of a positive direct antiglobulin test after administration of IvIg. Therefore we re commend to carry out the direct antiglobulin test before administratio n of IvIg and to examine all eluates after a positive direct Coombs te st not only with O RBCs but also with A or B RBCs of the ABO blood gro up of the patient.