[A trial with high-dose gamma globulin therapy in 3 children with hyperbilirubinemia in rhesus incompatibility].

The influence of high-dose intravenous gammaglobulin (HDivGG) on the course of hyperbilirubinemia was investigated in three newborn infants with rhesus hemolytic disease. In addition to phototherapy and appropriate hydration all children received gammaglobulin (Polyglobulin N, Tropon-Cutter, Cologne, FRG) at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight intravenously. All three infants showed a marked decrease in bilirubin levels after HDivGG. In two cases exchange transfusion could be avoided. In the third an elevated bilirubin level after blood exchange dropped following HDivGG, and a further exchange transfusion became unnecessary. The suspected effect of HDivGG in Rhesus incompatibility may be due to a blockade of Fc-receptors of the reticuloendothelial system, which prevents further hemolysis and bilirubin production. We propose, that the efficacy of this new mode of treatment should be evaluated in a controlled study.