Effect of intravenous immunoglobulins in critically ill adults with sepsis: a meta-analysis.

Abstract

Methods: A systematic search strategy was applied to Medline (1966-September 2005) and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (September 2005) to identify all randomized controlled trials of polyclonal iv immunoglobulin therapy with a placebo comparison or no intervention during the course of sepsis, severe sepsis or septic shock in critically ill adult patients. Abstracts and book chapters were included, and no restriction was placed on language of publication. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Review of citations retrieved from the electronic search, methodological assessment and data extraction were independently performed by two investigators. References of all identified trials were reviewed for additional studies. Authors of trials were contacted to provide additional clinical data or information on methodology when unclear.