Evidence supporting the use of: Immunoglobulin
For the health condition: Pneumonia

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Immunoglobulin Use in Pneumonia: Evidence Overview

Immunoglobulin therapy, particularly intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), has been explored as an adjunctive treatment for pneumonia, especially in severe or refractory cases and in immunocompromised patients. The rationale for its use is based on the ability of pooled immunoglobulins to provide passive immunity, neutralize pathogens, and modulate immune responses.

Clinical studies and systematic reviews have investigated IVIG in bacterial pneumonia, especially in populations such as neonates, patients with primary immunodeficiencies, and those with severe sepsis or septic shock secondary to pneumonia. In neonates with proven or suspected infection, some studies have shown modest benefits, though large meta-analyses (e.g., Cochrane reviews on IVIG for neonatal sepsis) conclude that routine use does not significantly reduce mortality. In adults, the evidence is mixed: some randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses suggest a reduction in mortality in severe sepsis (some of which is due to pneumonia), while others find no statistically significant benefit.

IVIG is not routinely recommended for the treatment of uncomplicated community-acquired pneumonia. Its use is reserved for specific scenarios: patients with hypogammaglobulinemia, certain immunodeficiencies, or severe, refractory infections where standard therapy has failed. Current clinical guidelines do not endorse routine IVIG use in general pneumonia management, and its application remains limited to select cases based on moderate-quality evidence and clinical judgment.

More about immunoglobulin
More about Pneumonia

Products containing immunoglobulin

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.