Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy is increasingly being used to treat various conditions including neonatal sepsis. The rationale for using IVIG in neonatal sepsis amongst other reasons includes immunomodulation of pre-inflammatory cytokines.

In a prospective, double blind study we have measured selective pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-Iβ, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and ICAM-1 in new-born infants with neonatal sepsis receiving either standard supportive and antimicrobial therapy or standard antimicrobial and supportive plus IVIG therapy. This is an ongoing study and the results of the first 20 patients show significant immunomodulation of these cytokines in the IVIG treated group.