Evaluation of an intravenous immunoglobulin preparation for the prevention of viral infection among hospitalized low birth weight infants

An intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) preparation was evaluated prospectively in hospitalized low birth weight infants for the prevention of respiratory virus infection. Premature neonates were evaluated from October 19, 1987, through July 31, 1988. Nasopharyngeal secretions were cultured weekly for viruses and clinical information was obtained daily on each infant. Ninety-one infants with birth weights between 500 and 1750 g were randomized to receive either IVIG, 500 mg/kg (46 infants), or 5% albumin-normal saline (placebo), 10 ml/kg (45 infants), between Days 3 and 7 of life, 7 days later and every 14 days thereafter for a maximum of 5 doses. Demographic and life