The use of pooled
immunoglobulin (
IgG) has been shown to decrease panel reactive
antibodies (PRA) in highly sensitized patients awaiting
transplantation.
IgG infusions have also been found effective for CMV prophylaxis. Analysis of 52 non-highly sensitized children (ages 1-18) who received kidney transplants from May 1991 through January 1995 was undertaken to determine if the
immunoglobulin administered for CMV prophylaxis effected allograft survival. Comparison of the "
Sando Pos" group (those who received
Sandoglobulin for CMV prophylaxis) to the "
Sando Neg" group demonstrates a significantly improved allograft survival at 1, 2, and 3 yr post-
transplantation. Despite the
Sando Pos group being younger [7.3 +/- 1.3 yr vs. 10.7 +/- 0.9 yr; (mean +/- SEM) p < 0.05] allograft survival was 95%, 95% and 88% in the
Sando Pos group vs. 88%, 79% and 79% in the
Sando Neg group at 1, 2 and 3 yr, respectively (p < 0.01 at all three time points). It is concluded that the potential mechanism of the immunosuppressive benefit of
Sandoglobulin is speculative but presumed to be upon inhibition of anti-HLA class I
antibodies. We conclude that
Sandoglobulin may not only be useful for CMV prophylaxis but also as an adjunct to routine immunosuppression.