[PAGID] IVIG potential benefit?
Shelly Harvey
sharvey_pdai at yahoo.com
Mon Aug 7 13:50:39 EDT 2006
I have a new 36yo female patient with lupus, recurrent otitis, and s/p a single episode of pneumonia. The pneumonia occurred 18 months ago after an episode of pleurisy, and was complicated by an empyema requiring surgery, chest tubes, and a prolonged hospital stay. s/p left tympanoplasty x 2 as child and adult. No sinus disease ever. Immune studies reveal normal IgG (950-1200), normal IgA (260-315), and a low IgM (17 after Rituxan - 31 before Rituxan). First set of pneumococcal titers were drawn 1 year after a Pneumovax, and revealed IgG Ab levels >3.5 ug/mL in 9 of the 14 serotypes. Repeat pneumococcal titers revealed <2-fold increase in 8 serotypes, 2-fold increase in 3 serotypes, and >2fold increase in 1 serotype, with no change in the remaining 2 serotypes. Tetanus, diphtheria, and Hib titers all protective. The specific question for her referral to me is whether or not she could benefit from IVIG. I think, probably not. Any thoughts?
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