Use of Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Severe Covid 19 Infection - A Potential Game Changer

Authors

  •   Ravi Kumar ICU and Critical Care Services, Sagar Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka
  •   P. Vignesh ICU and Critical Care Services, Sagar Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka
  •   Jagadish Chandra ICU and Critical Care Services, Sagar Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka
  •   Pratyush Miglani ICU and Critical Care Services, Sagar Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4103/kaj/2020/v18i3-4/167847

Keywords:

Immunomodulation, Immunomodulators, Severe Covid 19, IVIG

Abstract

The novel Coronavirus has emerged as one of the deadliest pandemics in human history. India is facing challenges of uncontrolled proportions of new cases/death toll, highly virulent variants of Coronavirus and limited therapeutic options. The disease spectrum has mild, moderate and severe stages. Complications like SIRS, cytokine storm, ARDS and MODS are seen at severe stage and hence this stage remains a crucial target to reduce hospital stay and mortality. Immunomodulation is the cornerstone in treating hyperimmune response during severe stage. Though there are various upcoming immunomodulators, there is uncertainty about the efficacy of each. Search for the best innovative therapeutic option continues. In this context, Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) is one of the potential interventions with a unique feature of pleiotropic immunomodulating actions. In this case series, we describe two cases who were in severe stage of Covid-19 infection and didn’t respond to any conventional antiviral and immunomodulators. IVIG was administered to both. It was found that there was remarkable improvement in patient’s condition. Both the patients recovered clinically and were discharged from hospital. Hence, IVIG can be considered as a potential therapeutic strategy in severe Covid-19 infection.

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Published

2020-12-17

How to Cite

Kumar, R., Vignesh, P., Chandra, J., & Miglani, P. (2020). Use of Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Severe Covid 19 Infection - A Potential Game Changer. Karnataka Anaesthesia Journal, 18(3-4), 75–83. https://doi.org/10.4103/kaj/2020/v18i3-4/167847

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