Use of intravenous immunoglobulin in pediatric practice

In recent years, human-driven intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) administered intravenously have been widely used in treatment of many diseases. Intravenous immunoglobulin is obtained from human-driven plasma pools as in other plasma-driven products and IVIG preperations contain structurally and functionally intact immunoglobulin. Intravenous immunoglobulin was approved by FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in USA in 1981 for the first time and was started to be primarily used in patients with immune deficiency with hypogammaglobulinemia. The effects of intravenous immunoglobulin include complex mechanisms, but it exerts its essential action by eliminating the non-specific Fc receptors found in the mononuclear phagocytic system or by inhibiting binding of immune complexes to Fc receptors in the cells. Their areas of usage include conditions where their anti-inflammatory and immunomudulator effects are utilized in addition to replacement of deficient immunoglobulin. Although the definite indications are limited, it has been shown that it is useful in many diseases in clinical practice. Its side effects include fever, sweating, nausea, tachycardia, eczematous reactions, aseptic meningitis, renal failure and hematological-thromboembolic events. In this article, use of IVIG, its mechanisms of action, indications and side effects were discussed

Inherited Rare Factor Deficiencies: Single-centre Experience

Objective: Bleeding is one of the most important problems in humans. Absence, deficiency or dysfunctions of protein factors in the coagulation system can cause prolonged bleeding, morbidity or mortality. Although factor VIII, factor IX and von Willebrand factor deficiencies are the most common, deficiencies in all other factors exist, called rare factor deficiencies. This study aimed to present the clinical presentations, laboratory findings, treatments, and surgical interventions in patients with rare factor deficiencies other than factor VII followed up in our clinic

Persons With Hemophilia of Generation Y and Their Relatives Attitudes and Expectations From Treatment

This multicenter cohort study aimed to determine the attitudes and expectations of persons with hemophilia of Generation Y (PwH-Y) toward hemophilia and its treatment comparatively with the opinions of their non-hemophiliac relatives. The study was representative regarding quota-control variables of hemophiliacs registered to the provincial representatives of the Hemophilia Society of Turkey in 4 geographic regions and Istanbul. Sixty-four PwH-Y (62 males) and their 56 first-degree relatives (17 males; Generation X/baby boomers) were interviewed face-to-face using mixed data collection method. "Focus Group Study" method was used for qualitative data. Treatment adherence, requirements, and social activities were questioned with a semi-structured form. Treatment adherence rate of the PwH-Y (46.2%) was lower than that perceived by their relatives (71.4%) (p <= 0.05). Vascular access problems were the most common reasons for non-adherence (60% in PwH-Y and 25% in relatives). Among the components the hemophiliacs and their relatives needed most, support for accessibility of drugs/treatment ranked first (41.1% and 45%, respectively), followed by emotional support (26.1% and 32.5%, respectively). For increasing treatment success in PwH-Y, treatment should be personalized and shaped based on personal requirements