Cardiac rhythm abnormalities during intravenous immunoglobulin G infusion for treatment of thrombocytopenia.

PURPOSE

Several side effects of intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) therapy are known, but it has never been reported to be associated with cardiac rhythm abnormalities other than sinus tachycardia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We describe the development of cardiac dysrhythmias during intravenous immunoglobulin G infusion in two children with thrombocytopenia. One of the patients had a history of supraventricular tachycardia, and the other had evidence suggestive of preexisting long QT syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Cardiac rhythm abnormalities may be exacerbated in individuals with preexisting cardiac problems by IVIG infusion, and such patients should be monitored closely during IVIG administration.