The Role of Oral Administration of Immunoglobulin in Managing Diarrheal Illness in Immunocompromised Children

Abstract

Introduction Immunocompromised children are susceptible to infectious diarrhea. Oral administration of human serum immunoglobulins to treat immunocompromised patients with viral gastroenteritis caused by viruses like rotavirus and norovirus has been reported. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of oral immunoglobulin (OIG) in treating hospitalized immunocompromised children with diarrheal illness. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort review of the Mayo Clinic electronic medical records from January 1, 2005, through April 30, 2019. We included children who were immunocompromised and received OIG as a treatment for a diarrheal illness that was classified as acute (< 4 weeks) or chronic (> 4 weeks) at the time of their treatment. Response to therapy was defined by 50% reduction in stool output. Results Nineteen children were identified (11 males); average age at the time of treatment was 11 (0.25-18) years. In the acute diarrhea cohort, the mean duration of symptoms was 9.5 days (4-21). In the chronic diarrhea cohort, the mean duration of symptoms was 41 days (28-90). All 19 children were treated with OIG with doses in the range of 100-300 mg/kg/day for 1-5 days. Eighteen patients (95%) had improvement. Overall average time to response was 3.1 (1-9) days after receiving the OIG. Conclusion Oral administration of human serum immunoglobulin in immunocompromised children presenting with acute and chronic diarrheal illness appeared helpful in reducing stool output by 50% in the majority of patients.