Comparison of Two Doses of Gamma Globulin in Prevention of Infectious Hepatitis: Preliminary Report

Abstract

THE USE of gamma globulin in the prevention of clinically detectable infectious hepatitis has been studied many times in institutional populations (1-3) and in families in the general population (4-6). With a few exceptions (7), the studies conducted in the general population have dealt with epidemic situations. Repeated investigations have shown that 0.01 ml. gamma globulin per pound body weight is effective in prevention of clinically discernible infectious hepatitis (5, 8, 9). We have found only three studies reported that tested the dosage of 0.005 ml. per pound of body weight. Two of these were performed during institutional outbreaks (unpublished data of H. Holzer and associates and 10) and the other during an epidemic in the general population (11). The supply of gamma globulin continues to fall far short of the need. Furthermore, there is little indication that the supply will be increased appreciably or the demand reduced in the near future. The recent revival of interest in the administration of gamma globulin to persons receiving blood transfusions adds new weight to the proiblem. Therefore, use of the smallest effective dose in each situation is to the best interest of all concerned. This study was designed to compare the efficacy of 0.01 ml. and 0.005 ml. of gamma globulin per pound of body weight in prevention of infectious hepatitis with jaundice among household contacts of reported cases in the general population over a 2-year period.