Isoimmune hemolytic jaundice due to ABO and Rh blood group incompatibility
is an important problem in the neonatal period. Intravenous immune globulin
(IVIG) treatment in isoimmune jaundice has been shown to be effective, but
the response to treatment is variable. In this study, the effect of multip
le doses IVIG therapy versus single dose IVIG therapy was investigated in 6
1 babies who had ABO and Rh hemolytic disease. Patients were divided into t
hree groups. Group I received multiple dose IVIG treatment, group II receiv
ed single dose IVIG treatment, and group III was not given any IVIG. All th
ree groups received phototherapy, No exchange transfusion was needed in gro
up I. The rate of exchange transfusion was 12 per cent in group II and 33 p
er cent in group III. Duration of phototherapy was shorter in group I than
in groups II and III. It was concluded that IVIG treatment reduces the need
of exchange transfusion in neonatal isoimmune hemolytic jaundice by loweri
ng hemolysis. Multiple doses IVIG treatment appears to be better at blockin
g ongoing hemolysis.