[Indications for passive immunotherapy in XXXX ].

@entity1 @entity326 @entity2348 @entity1800 @entity6281 @entity166 @entity2259
The most important indications for passive immunotherapy in the field of @entity166 are reviewed. Intramuscular immunoglobulins are useful in prophylaxis and treatment of diseases due to bacterial exotoxins and in prophylaxis of some @entity1800 . However, their efficacy against @entity2348 has not been demonstrated. Intravenous immunoglobulins have theoretical advantages in these infections. The few clinical studies performed in neonates and in @entity1 of surgical intensive care units have suggested modest benefits. However, these studies did not allow to decide whether intravenous immunoglobulins have a role in these situations. Another approach still under investigation is to administer polyclonal antibodies directed against the central part of the endotoxin, the structure of which is well preserved among gram-negative bacteria. These antibodies have improved the survival of @entity1 with @entity2259 or @entity326 . When given prophylactically, they have reduced the incidence of @entity6281 and related mortality in @entity1 from surgical intensive care units. Further studies are in progress to determine the class and the precise specificity of these protective antibodies.
