Intravenous immunoglobulin G therapy in streptococcal toxic shock syndrome: a European randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Clin Infect Dis. 2003 Aug 1;37(3):333-40. doi: 10.1086/376630. Epub 2003 Jul 17.

Abstract

The efficacy and safety of high-dose intravenous polyspecific immunoglobulin G (IVIG) as adjunctive therapy in streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) were evaluated in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The trial was prematurely terminated because of slow patient recruitment, and results were obtained from 21 enrolled patients (10 IVIG recipients and 11 placebo recipients). The primary end point was mortality at 28 days, and a 3.6-fold higher mortality rate was found in the placebo group. A significant decrease in the sepsis-related organ failure assessment score at days 2 (P=.02) and 3 (P=.04) was noted in the IVIG group. Furthermore, a significant increase in plasma neutralizing activity against superantigens expressed by autologous isolates was noted in the IVIG group after treatment (P=.03). Although statistical significance was not reached in the primary end point, the trial provides further support for IVIG as an efficacious adjunctive therapy in STSS.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / therapeutic use*
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Shock, Septic / microbiology
  • Shock, Septic / mortality
  • Shock, Septic / therapy*
  • Streptococcal Infections / mortality
  • Streptococcal Infections / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous